RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Spiroergometry is important for modern performance diagnostics, and reference values have been evaluated for bicycle and treadmill ergometers. The aim of this study is to assess the comparability of bicycle and hand-crank spiroergometry and its associated parameters, as hand-crank spiroergometry can be used during rehabilitation in patients with definitive or temporally impairment of the lower extremity. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers completed 2 exhausting performance diagnostics on hand-crank and bicycle spiroergometry. Participants' anthropometric characteristics, maximum power, multiple exertion criteria, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum heart rate were detected, and ventilatory and metabolic thresholds were determined. RESULTS: The maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum aerobic capacity, and ventilatory thresholds were significant higher on the bicycle ergometer (P < .001). The metabolic thresholds occurred on higher lactate values on the hand-crank ergometer. Equations for calculating maximum aerobic capacity from the maximum power measured in either hand-crank or bicycle ergometer could be found through regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are problems in interpreting results of different ergometries due to severe physiology differences, the equations can be used for patients who are temporally unable to complete the established ergometry due to a deficit in the lower extremity. This could improve training recommendations for patients and para-athletes in particular.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Oxygen uptake (V˙ O2) was measured during a non-exhaustive high-intensity intermittent cross-exercise (HIICE) protocol consisting of four alternating bouts of 20 â€‹s running (R) and three bouts of bicycle exercise (BE) at ∼160% and ∼170% maximal oxygen uptake (V˙ O2max), respectively, with 10 â€‹s between-bout rests (sequence R-BE-R-BE-R-BE-R). The V˙ O2 during the last BE ([52.2 â€‹± â€‹5.0] mL·kg-1·min-1) was significantly higher than the V˙ O2max of the BE ([48.0 â€‹± â€‹5.4] mL·kg-1·min-1, n â€‹= â€‹30) and similar to that of running. For clarifying the underlying mechanisms, a corresponding HIICE-protocol with BE and arm cranking ergometer exercise (AC) was used (sequence AC-AC-BE-AC-BE-AC-AC-BE). In some experiments, thigh blood flow was occluded by a cuff around the upper thigh. Without occlusion, the V˙ O2 during the AC ([39.2 â€‹± â€‹7.1] mL·kg-1·min-1 [6th bout]) was significantly higher than the V˙ O2max of AC ([30.2 â€‹± â€‹4.4] mL·kg-1·min-1, n â€‹= â€‹7). With occlusion, the corresponding V˙ O2 ([29.8 â€‹± â€‹3.9] mL·kg-1·min-1) was reduced to that of the V˙ O2max of AC and significantly less than the V˙ O2 without occlusion. These findings suggest that during the last bouts of HIICE may exceed the of the specific exercise, probably because it is a summation of the V˙ O2 for the ongoing exercise plus excess post-oxygen consumption (EPOC) produced by the previous exercise with a higher V˙ O2max.

RESUMEN

Background Cardiovascular responses to exercise are essential indicators of cardiovascular health and fitness. Understanding how different types of exercise, such as lower-body and whole-body exercises, impact these responses is crucial for designing effective fitness programs and assessing cardiovascular function. Aim This study aimed to compare the cardiovascular response of young adults during lower-body exercise using a bicycle ergometer and whole-body exercise on a treadmill. Methods Thirty-two healthy young adults participated in this study. Each participant completed two exercise sessions on separate days: lower-body exercise on a bicycle ergometer with a fixed cadence of 60 rpm with a breaking resistance of 1.75 kg and whole-body exercise on a treadmill with a speed of 1.7 mph and a 10% grade. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP were measured at rest and immediately after a three-minute exercise. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare the cardiovascular responses between the two exercise modalities. Results A total of 17 male and 15 female young adults with a mean age of 20.87±1.43 years participated in the study. The male and female participants had similar ages (p =0.56) and body mass indexes (p = 0.1). There was a higher HR (129.16±2.67 versus 150.87±3.23, p<0.0001) and systolic BP (127.29±2.34 versus 144.9±4.16, p<0.0001) and lower diastolic BP (68.97±2.41 versus 62.97±2.31, p<0.0001) in whole body exercise on treadmill compared to lower body exercise in bicycle ergometer. The effect size was large enough as Cohen's d was 7.33, 5.13, and 2.54 for HR, systolic BP, and diastolic BP, respectively. Conclusion In sedentary young adults, treadmill exercise led to higher HR, systolic BP, and lower diastolic BP than bicycle ergometer exercise. Increased muscle recruitment might result in higher energy expenditure, increasing the HR and systolic BP to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications for precise exercise recommendations and better cardiovascular health management.

RESUMEN

Acute physical activity is assumed to lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Yet, little research has been conducted dealing with the influence of exercise duration on EIH. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different exercise durations using the same intensity compared to a control session on EIH. A total of 36 participants conducted three different exercise sessions on a bicycle ergometer for 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively, in addition to a passive control session. The intensity was set to 75% of the individual's VO2max. Pre and post exercise, pain sensitivity was measured employing pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at the elbow, knee, and ankle joints, as well as the sternum and forehead. In addition, the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response was conducted pre and post exercise. The results reveal that the exercises neither led to any changes in PPT measured at any landmark nor induced any CPM response effects. These results do not confirm the hypoalgesic effects usually observed after exercise. The reasons explaining these results remain rather elusive but might be explained by the low intensities chosen leading to a milder release of pain inhibiting substances, the landmarks employed for PPT measurements, or potential non-responsiveness of participants.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: The accuracy of heart rate measured with a wrist photoplethysmography monitor can be influenced by the tightening of the wristband, movement of arms, or kinetics of the signal (eg, steady-state exercise vs on- and off-transients). To test these hypotheses, photoplethysmographic and electrocardiographic (ECG) signals were compared. METHODS: Thirty participants (50% female) randomly performed two 13' sequences (3' rest, 5' submaximal-intensity exercise, and 5' passive recovery) on a motorized treadmill and a bicycle ergometer. Heart rate was measured concomitantly with a 10-lead ECG, a chest-strap monitor, and 2 wrist photoplethysmography monitors (Polar Unite) with different tightening (free vs imposed at the maximum tolerable). RESULTS: The level of association (r) and coefficient of variation (CV; ie, the error of measurement) of the Polar Unite versus the 10-lead ECG is affected by the tightness of the wristband (normal vs high; r = .83 and .96, CV = 16.1 and 8.1% for the treadmill, respectively; r = .71 and .97, CV = 20.3% and 6.2% for the bicycle, respectively) by the phase of the signal (transition vs steady state; r = .90 and .97, CV = 9.0% and 7.6% for the treadmill, respectively; r = .93 and .99, CV = 7.5% and 3.1% for the bicycle, respectively) and movement of arms (treadmill vs bicycle; r = .90 and .93, CV = 9.0% and 7.5% during the transition phase, respectively; r = .97 and .99, CV = 7.6% and 3.1% during the steady-state phase, respectively). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of heart rate measured with a wrist photoplethysmography monitor is affected by the tightness of the wristband and the phase of the signal. A high tightening is required when high accuracy is expected.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airway leading to breathlessness. Exercise training has been recognized as a valuable component in the management of asthma, enhancing lung function and overall well-being. Bicycle ergometer training and Nordic walking are two distinct forms of exercise that have been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness and respiratory function. Despite the potential benefits of these exercises, limited research directly compares their efficacy in improving functional capacity specifically in asthma patients. The study thus aims to address this gap by providing personalized, tailored exercise programs for asthma patients. Methods A single-blinded experimental study using a simple random sampling method was conducted. A sample of 40 subjects was recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were assigned into two groups. Group A subjects were trained with a bicycle ergometer and Group B subjects were trained with Nordic walking. The intervention was given to both groups for 12 weeks. The outcome measures used were the six-minute walk test, Modified Borg Scale, and Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results A baseline analysis of outcome measures was done, which was followed up by a post-test analysis after 12 weeks. Pre-test and post-test data were compared using a paired t-test. Intergroup analysis was done by an independent t-test. Both groups showed significant improvement in post-test results. On comparing the two groups, Group A showed significant improvement as compared to Group B. Conclusion The study concludes that bicycle ergometer training is effective in improving functional capacity and enhancing the quality of life in asthma patients.

RESUMEN

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is used widely in the diagnosis, exercise therapy, and prognosis evaluation of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The current guideline for CPET does not provide any specific recommendations for cardiovascular (CV) safety on exercise stimulation mode, including bicycle ergometer, treadmill, and total body workout equipment. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different exercise stimulation modes on the occurrence of safety events during CPET in patients with CHD. Methods: A total of 10,538 CPETs, including 5,674 performed using treadmill exercise and 4,864 performed using bicycle ergometer exercise at Peking University Third Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. The incidences of CV events and serious adverse events during CPET were compared between the two exercise groups. Results: Cardiovascular events in enrolled patients occurred during 355 CPETs (3.4%), including 2 cases of adverse events (0.019%), both in the treadmill group. The incidences of overall events [235 (4.1%) vs. 120 (2.5%), P < 0.001], premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) [121 (2.1%) vs. 63 (1.3%), P = 0.001], angina pectoris [45 (0.8%) vs. 5 (0.1%), P < 0.001], and ventricular tachycardia (VT) [32 (0.6%) vs. 14 (0.3%), P = 0.032] were significantly higher in the treadmill group compared with the bicycle ergometer group. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of bradyarrhythmia and atrial arrhythmia between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of overall CV events (P < 0.001), PVCs (P = 0.007), angina pectoris (P < 0.001), and VT (P = 0.008) was independently associated with the stimulation method of treadmill exercise. In male subjects, the occurrence of overall CV events, PVCs, angina pectoris, and VT were independently associated with treadmill exercise, while only the overall CV events and angina pectoris were independently associated with treadmill exercise in female subjects. Conclusion: In comparison with treadmill exercise, bicycle ergometer exercise appears to be a safer exercise stimulation mode for CPET in patients with CHD.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Acute physical activity leads to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four different exercise intensities on EIH. METHODS: 25 male (age: 24.7 ± 3.0) subjects underwent four different exercise sessions on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min each at 60, 80, 100, and 110% of the individual anaerobic threshold on separate days in a randomized crossover design. Before, as well as 5- and 45-min post-exercise, pain sensitivity was measured employing pain pressure thresholds (PPT) at the elbow, knee, and ankle joints as well as the sternum and forehead. Besides, conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was conducted using thermal test- and conditioned stimuli before, 5-, and 45-min post-exercise. RESULTS: A main time effect was observed regarding PPT at all landmarks except for the forehead with higher values observed 5 and 45 min post-exercise compared to the pre-values. Yet, no interaction effects occurred. CPM did not change in response to any of the intensities used. CONCLUSION: EIH occurs 5 and 45 min after exercise regardless of the intensity used at the joints and sternum which might be explained by local pain-inhibiting pathways and probably to a limited degree by central mechanisms, as no hypoalgesia was observed at the forehead and no changes in CPM occurred.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on physical health and cognitive functioning have been repeatedly shown. However, evidence of its effect on psychosocial functioning in healthy adults is still scarce or inconclusive. One limitation of many studies examining this link is their reliance on correlational approaches or specific subpopulations, such as clinical populations. The present study investigated the effects of a physical exercise intervention on key factors of psychosocial functioning, specifically well-being, stress, loneliness, and future time perspective. We used data from healthy, previously sedentary older adults (N = 132) who participated in a 6-month at-home intervention, either engaging in aerobic exercise or as part of a control group who participated in foreign language-learning or reading of selected native-language literature. Before and after the intervention, comprehensive cardiovascular pulmonary testing and a psychosocial questionnaire were administered. The exercise group showed significantly increased fitness compared to the control group. Contrary to expectations, however, we did not find evidence for a beneficial effect of this fitness improvement on any of the four domains of psychosocial functioning we assessed. This may be due to pronounced stability of such psychological traits in older age, especially in older adults who show high levels of well-being initially. Alternatively, it may be that the well-documented beneficial effects of physical exercise on brain structure and function, as well as cognition differ markedly from beneficial effects on psychosocial functioning. While aerobic exercise may be the driving factor for the former, positive effects on the latter may only be invoked by other aspects of exercise, for example, experiences of mastery or a feeling of community.

RESUMEN

Heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring is a promising option to estimate the autonomic nervous system regulation responding to exercise. Textiles with embedded sensors recording heartbeat intervals are a simple tool for data collection. The so-called smart shirts offer comfort for daily use and are managed easily. Their measurement accuracy for HRV calculation at rest is promising, but remains questionable during exercise. Therefore, the present study validated the Ambiotex smart shirt using HRV indices (root mean square of successive differences, rel. HF power [high-frequency power percentage of total power] and rel. LF [low-frequency power percentage of total power] power) during exercise. Eighty-three healthy participants (31 ± 6 years; 39 females, 44 males) completed an incremental exercise test on a bicycle ergometer wearing the smart shirt and an electrocardiogram simultaneously. We compared HRV indices of segments at rest (5 min), at warm-up (3 min) and twice at the exercise test (each 5 min). At rest and at warm-up, we observed excellent linear relationship (r > 0.96; R2 ​​​​​ > 0.94), excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.98; α ≥ 0.98) and acceptable agreement (bias < 10%). During the exercise test, measurement accuracy declined with increasing intensity but remained high (>0.8), although results for partial HRV indices were insufficient. In addition, percentage bias was unacceptable during an exercise test. However, the findings support the validity of the smart shirt for measuring HRV, especially at rest and at warm-up. We suggest using the smart shirt for monitoring HRV indices on a daily basis, but caution should be taken in the interpretation of HRV indices obtained during moderate to vigorous exercise intensities.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Children with Duchene muscular dystrophy have weak muscles, which may impair postural adjustments. These postural adjustments are required for gait and dynamic balance during the daily living activities. The aim was to compare between the effect of bicycle ergometer versus treadmill on functional walking capacity and balance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: Thirty boys aged from 6 to 10 years old diagnosed as Duchene muscular dystrophy participated in this study. Children were assigned randomly into two groups (A&B). Children in group (A) underwent a designed program of physical therapy plus aerobic exercise training in form of bicycle ergometer while, group (B) received the same program as group (A) and aerobic exercise training by treadmill for one hour, at three times a week for three successive months. Functional walking capacity and balance were assessed before and after treatment by using the 6-minute walk test and Biodex balance system equipment respectively. RESULTS: The post treatment results revealed significant difference in all measured variables (P<0.05) as compared with its pre-treatment results. Post-treatment values indicated that there was a significant difference in all measured variables in favor of group B. CONCLUSIONS: treadmill training as an aerobic exercise can improve walking capacity and balance more effectively than bicycle ergometer in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study aimed to examine whether the end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (PEtCO2) affects the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Participants were examined under the conditions of normal and increased ventilation. We measured O2Hb, mean blood pressure, skin blood flow, PEtCO2, respiratory rate, and minute volume at 30 % of the maximum oxygen uptake during exercise. ΔO2Hb and PEtCO2 during exercise were lower in the increased ventilation than in the normal ventilation condition. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between ΔO2Hb and ΔMAP, ΔSBF, and PEtCO2. Correlation coefficients were 0.249 (p < 0.001) for ΔMAP, 0.343 (p < 0.001) for ΔSBF, and 0.315 (p < 0.001) for PEtCO2. In conclusion, we identified increased ventilation during bicycle ergometer exercise as a significant factor associated with significantly low PEtCO2 and ΔO2Hb.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and an increase in total hip replacements calls for attention to potential therapeutic activities. Cycling is considered as a low impact exercise for the hip joint and hence recommended. However, there are limited data about hip joint loading to support this claim. The aim of this study was to measure synchronously the in vivo hip joint loads and pedal forces during cycling. The in vivo hip joint loads were measured in 5 patients with instrumented hip implants. Data were collected at several combinations of power and cadence, at two saddle heights. Joint loads and pedal forces showed strong linear correlation with power. So the relationship between the external pedal forces and internal joint forces was shown. While cycling at different cadences the minimum joint loads were acquired at 60RPM. The lower saddle height configuration results in an approximately 15% increase compared to normal saddle height. The results offered new insights into the actual effects of cycling on the hip joint and can serve as useful tools while developing an optimum cycling regimen for individuals with coxarthrosis or following total hip arthroplasty. Due to the relatively low contact forces, cycling at a moderate power level of 90W at a normal saddle height is suitable for patients.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Comparative cardiovascular responses to treadmill and bicycle ergometer (bike) exercise tests in hypertensive Nigerians are not known. This study compared cardiovascular responses to the two modes of exercise testing in hypertensives using maximal exercise protocols. METHODS: One hundred and ten male subjects with mild-to-moderate hypertension underwent maximal treadmill and bike test one after the other at a single visit in a simple random manner. Paired-sampled t-test was used to compare responses to both exercise tests while chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: The maximal heart rate (P<0.001), peak systolic blood pressure (P=0.02), rate pressure product (P<0.001), peak oxygen uptake (P<0.001), and exercise capacity (P<0.001) in metabolic equivalents were signifcantly higher on the treadmill than on the bike. CONCLUSION: Higher cardiovascular responses on treadmill in Nigerian male hypertensives in this study, similar to findings in non-hypertensives and non-Nigerians in earlier studies, suggest that treadmill may be of better diagnostic utility in our population.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Postprandial lipid clearance failure and lipoprotein disorders, which are independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are well-recognized in type II diabetes. Reduction of fats through exercise has been proved, though the mechanism is not well-defined, and the effects of different intensity exercise on postprandial lipidemia in diabetes type II is unknown. This study aims to find these effects using a cycle ergometer. METHODS: On three different days, 15 type II diabetics (10 women and 5 men, with a mean age 42.07 ± 6.05 years, weight 94.64 ± 4.37 kg, height 159.78 ± 9.09 cm, and body mass index29.83 ± 3.93 kg/m2), consumed a full fat breakfast (750-800 kcal, 85% fat), and 150 min later, blood samples were taken from them to measure their lipid profile. The 1st day was the control day, without any exercises. Seven days later, 90 min after enriched breakfast, they did 30 min of exercise on the cycle ergometer with intensity of 55-70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), and 14 days later, 90 min after enriched breakfast, they did 30 min of exercise with intensity of 70-85% of HRmax. RESULTS: According to Friedman non-parametric test, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol serum level significantly increased after 30 min of moderate intensity exercise (P > 0.05, from 39.4 ± 5.2 to 48.6 ± 9.3), while this increase was insignificant after a higher intensity exercise. Neither intensity levels had any significant effects on triglyceride or on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Results showed that moderate intensity exercise was more effective in increasing HDL cholesterol level in type II diabetics.

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate acute effects of anaerobic exercises by a bicycle ergometer on arterial elastic modulus and local hemodynamics in human common carotid arteries with different genders. Methods Nine male and eight female healthy young volunteers at the age of 20-30 year-old successively underwent four groups of exercise trainings with the same workload by an anaerobic bicycle ergometer. The waveforms of arterial diameter and center-line blood velocity were measured in the right common carotid artery using a color Ultrasonic Doppler for each group when at rest and right after exercise training. The heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were simultaneously measured in brachial artery using an automatic electronic sphygmomanometer. All the measured data were analyzed based upon the principle of classic hemodynamics. The arterial elastic modulus and local hemodynamic parameters, including pressure-strain elastic modulus, flow rate, circumferential strain, wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index (OSI), were then calculated. Results The heart rate and arterial elastic modulus increased after exercises; with the accumulative exercises, in one cardiac cycle, the maximum and mean center-line velocity and flow rate increased while the minimum velocity and flow rate decreased; the systolic and mean blood pressure increased while diastolic blood pressure exhibited no significant change; no significant change could be found in the circumferential strain; the maximum and mean shear stress increased significantly while the minimum shear stress reduced; the oscillatory shear index also increased. Conclusions The anaerobic exercises by a bicycle ergometer may increase the arterial elastic modulus and induce significant effects on local hemodynamic parameters in common carotid arteries for young volunteers with different genders at the age of 20 30 year old. The results in this study could provide useful hemodynamic information for regulation of cerebrovascular function by anaerobic exercises.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional capacity during a 6-minute corridor walk and a 6-minute bicycle ergometry exercise in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHOD: Thirty five patients with stable CHF were recruited for the study. Each subject performed six minutes corridor walk and 6-minute bicycle ergometry testing. The 6-minute walk required the subjects to walk at a self selected speed on a 20 meter marked level ground for 6-minute. All the subjects also performed a 6-minute exercise on a stationary bicycle ergometer with initial resistance of 20 watts and increased by 10 watts after 3-minutes. The perceived rate of exertion was assessed using a modified Borg Scale after each exercise mode. The maximum oxygen consumption was derived using American College of Sport Medicine equations. RESULTS: Result showed high positive correlation between distance walked in the 6-minute and the maximum volume of oxygen (VO(2) max) (r = 0.65, P < 0.01). The average distance walked was 327 m +/- 12.03 m. The VO(2) max estimated during bicycle ergometry was higher (13.7 +/- 1.9 L) than during the six minutes walk (8.9 +/- 1.2 L). CONCLUSION: Six minutes walk could be useful to evaluate exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure, while the bicycle ergometer could be more appropriate in the assessment of maximum functional capacity in these patients.

RESUMEN

AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigation, whether water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) irradiation during moderate bicycle ergometer endurance exercise has effects especially on local fat reduction and on weight reduction beyond the effects of ergometer exercise alone. METHODS: Randomised controlled study with 40 obese females (BMI 30-40 (median: 34.5), body weight 76-125 (median: 94.9) kg, age 20-40 (median: 35.5) years, isocaloric nutrition), 20 in the wIRA group and 20 in the control group. In both groups each participant performed 3 times per week over 4 weeks for 45 minutes bicycle ergometer endurance exercise with a constant load according to a lactate level of 2 mmol/l (aerobic endurance load, as determined before the intervention period). In the wIRA group in addition large parts of the body (including waist, hip, and thighs) were irradiated during all ergometries of the intervention period with visible light and a predominant part of water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA), using the irradiation unit "Hydrosun 6000" with 10 wIRA radiators (Hydrosun Medizintechnik, Müllheim, Germany, radiator type 500, 4 mm water cuvette, yellow filter, water-filtered spectrum 500-1400 nm) around a speed independent bicycle ergometer. MAIN VARIABLE OF INTEREST: change of "the sum of circumferences of waist, hip, and both thighs of each patient" over the intervention period (4 weeks). Additional variables of interest: body weight, body mass index BMI, body fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, water mass (analysis of body composition by tetrapolar bioimpedance analysis), assessment of an arteriosclerotic risk profile by blood investigation of variables of lipid metabolism (cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins HDL, low density lipoproteins LDL, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B), clinical chemistry (fasting glucose, alanin-aminotransferase ALT (= glutamyl pyruvic transaminase GPT), gamma-glutamyl-transferase GGT, creatinine, albumin), endocrinology (leptin, adiponectin (= adipo Q), homocysteine, insulin). All variables were at least measured before and after the intervention period. Ergometry (ECG, blood pressure behaviour, lactate curve with power at 2, 3 and 4 mmol/l) before the intervention period. In addition: nutrition training ahead of and during the intervention period with a nutrition protocol over one week for assessment of the daily energy intake; calculation of basic metabolic rate and total energy requirement. Assessment of undesired effects. Only methods of non-parametric statistics were used, both descriptive (median, percentiles of 25 and 75 (= interquartile range), minimum, maximum) and confirmatory (two-sided Mann-Whitney U test for unpaired samples for the only one main variable of interest). Total error probability: .05 (5%). An intention to treat analysis ITT with last observed carry forward method was used preferably (presented results) and in addition an on treatment analysis OT. Only 2 (treatment group) and 4 (control group) drop-outs occurred (mostly due to lack of time). RESULTS: The "sum of circumferences of waist, hip, and both thighs of each patient" decreased during the 4 weeks significantly more (p<.001) in the wIRA group than in the control group: medians and interquartile ranges: -8.0 cm (-10.5 cm/-4.1 cm) vs. -1.8 cm (-4.4 cm/0.0 cm). As well "body weight of each patient" decreased during the 4 weeks markedly more in the wIRA group than in the control group: medians and interquartile ranges: -1.9 kg (-4.0 kg/0.0 kg) vs. 0.0 kg (-1.5 kg/+0.4 kg); median of body weight changed from 99.3 kg to 95.6 kg (wIRA) vs. 89.9 kg to 89.6 kg (control). A similar effect showed the body mass index BMI. Blood variables of interest remained unchanged or showed some slight improvements during the treatment period, concerning most variables with no obvious differences between the two groups; insulin showed a slight trend to decrease in the wIRA group and to increase in the control group. Undesired effects of the treatment were not seen. DISCUSSION: The results of the study suggest, that wIRA - during moderate bicycle ergometer endurance exercise as lipolytic stimulus - increases local lipolysis with a local fat reduction (thighs) in the otherwise bradytrophic fatty tissue. The presumably underlying mechanisms of wIRA have already been proven: wIRA acts both by thermal effects and by non-thermal effects. Thermal effects of wIRA are the generation of a therapeutic field of warmth with the increase of tissue temperature, tissue oxygen partial pressure, and tissue blood flow, and by this regional metabolism. As fatty tissue normally has a slow metabolism (bradytrophic and hypothermic tissue) with a low rate of lipolysis, wIRA can increase lipolysis in fatty tissue and the mobilized fats are burned in musculature during the ergometer exercise. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate, that wIRA irradiation during moderate ergometer endurance exercise can be used - in combination with an appropriate nutrition - to improve body composition, especially local fat distribution, and the reduction of fat and body weight in obese persons.

RESUMEN

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of bicycle ergometer training and prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) for patients with intermittent claudication. Subjects were divided into four groups : the medication group (M), the PGE₁ group (P), the exercise group (E) and the PGE₁ and exercise group (PE). The P group was injected with 10<i>μ</i>g of PGE₁, the E group performed bicycle ergometer exercise 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and the PE group was injected with PGE₁ and performed exercises. The maximal walking distance (MWD) was evaluated by a treadmill test. Muscle oxygenation level was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and recovery half time (T_1/2) was calculated. MWD was significantly improved for P (142%), E (216%) and PE (240%) groups. T_1/2 was significantly improved in the E and PE groups. This study indicates that improvement of MWD was a result of development of muscle perfusion in lower limbs and PGE₁ injection may support exercise therapy.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data on Korean average VO2max values. This study attempted to yield average values of VO2max corresponding to each age group of Koreans. This study was also designed to investigate the factors associated with VO2max. METHODS: From May 1st 1996 to January 30th 2000, we recruited 21,458 subjects who visited the health promotion center at one university hospital. We obtained the data related to age, exercise by self-administered questionnaire and weight, height and blood pressure by instrumental measurements and hemoglobin, cholesterol by overnight fasting blood sampling. VO2max was estimated by submaximal bicycle ergometer test. RESULTS: The number of research subjects was 21,458: males 12,646 (58.9%) and females 8,812 (41.1%) and the average age was 48.6 (SD: ?10.05) years with age span from 20 to 79 years. The average VO2max was 26.4 (SD; ?6.77) (ml/kg/min) for men and was 19.8 (SD; ?5.94) (ml/kg/min) for women. Relating to factors such as age, VO2max, SBP, DBP, cholesterole, Hb, and body mass index, there were significant statistical differences between sex (p<0.05). For both sexes, VO2max decreased as age, cholesterol, BP and BMI increased. Regular exercise group showed significantly a higher VO2max than non-exercise group for both sexes. CONCLUSION: The average VO2max values for Koreans, according to sex and age group are reported in this study. The decreasing VO2max may be attributed to increasing age, BP, cholesterol, BMI and non-exercise.

Asunto(s)