The acute and long-term benefits of exercise on cardiovascular health are well established, yet the optimal mode of exercise training that improves arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the influence of aerobic and resistance training on arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure. After an extensive search of four online databases, six randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analyses. Data were extracted from six studies examining the influence of exercise on arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD). Whereas aerobic exercise significantly reduced arterial PWV in women with high blood pressure after long-term training [SMD −1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.34 to −1.40], resistance training had a more modest effect that was borderline statistically significant (SMD −0.31, 95% CI −0.65 to 0.03). These findings suggest regular long-term aerobic exercise training (i.e. 12–20 week interventions) reduces arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure. Although not statistically significant, the modest number of included trials and lack of publication bias encourages further assessments on the efficacy of resistance exercise for improving arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure. Given the unique benefits of aerobic and resistance training, particularly for postmenopausal women (e.g. bone health and muscular strength), both modes of training should be encouraged for women with high blood pressure to enhance arterial function and support favorable cardiovascular outcomes.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between rectus femoris muscle architecture and isokinetic concentric peak knee extension torque at various velocities. Twenty physically active men (age =21.1±1.41 years, weight =69.9±5.7 kg, height =176.4±7.07 cm) had their isokinetic concentric knee extensor (Biodex 4 Pro, Biodex Medical Inc, Shirley, USA) strength assessed at 60°/sec, 180°/sec and 300°/sec. Pennation angle, muscle thickness, and fascicle length of the rectus femoris was measured using real-time B-mode ultrasound (Logiq P5, GE Healthcare, UK). Pennation angle had a significant positive correlation to peak torque at 60°/sec (r=0.731, p=0.001), 180°/sec (r=0.802, p=0.001) and 300°/sec (r=0.685, p=0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between muscle thickness and peak torque at 60°/sec (r=0.718, p=0.001), 180°/sec (r=0.749, p=0.001) and 300°/sec (r=0.722, p=0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between fascicle length and the isokinetic peak torque values (p>0.05). In addition, pennation angle and muscle thickness were found to be significant contributors for predicting isokinetic knee extension torque (R2=0.47-0.64; p<0.01). Pennation angle and muscle thickness best predicted peak knee extension torque at 180°/sec (explained variance =64% and 56%, respectively). This study suggests that pennation angle and muscle thickness can be used to predict isokinetic knee extension torque in physically active men.

Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL The Reliability and Validity of a Mat to Assess Balance 11 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2024 See all articles by Isaac Selva RajIsaac Selva RajEdith Cowan UniversityKazunori NosakaEdith Cowan University Abstract We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a new balance mat (BM) for assessing postural sway in comparison to a force plate. Seventeen participants (age range: 18 – 67 years; 8 male, 9 female) performed nine balance tests, with two trials performed for each test. Balance mat and centre of pressure (COP) data from a force platform were collected simultaneously during the tests. Correlation analyses were performed to test the strength of the relationships between BM and COP data, and to test the reliability of the balance mat. Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficients between BM and COP data ranged from 0.63 to 0.79. Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficients of BM data between the two trials ranged from 0.77 to 0.85. The results suggest that the balance mat is a valid and reliable tool for assessing postural sway. Note: Funding declaration: This work was supported by an industry grant from Balance Mat Pty Ltd [grant number G1006415_SUB/107833]. The funding organisation had no role in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of the data. The funding organisation had no role in the approval or disapproval of the publication of the finished manuscript. Conflict of Interests: None declared. The authors have no financial or other interest in the product or distribution of the product. The authors have no other interests to declare. Ethical Approval: This project was approved by the University’s human research ethics committee Keywords: Postural control, postural balance, postural sway, centre of pressure, force platform, force plate Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation Selva Raj, Isaac and Nosaka, Kazunori, The Reliability and Validity of a Mat to Assess Balance. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4731643 Isaac Selva Raj (Contact Author) Edith Cowan University ( email ) Mount Lawley CampusPerthChurchlands 6018 WAAustralia Kazunori Nosaka Edith Cowan University ( email ) Mount Lawley CampusPerthChurchlands 6018 WAAustralia Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share? Submit Negative Results Paper statistics Downloads 2 Abstract Views 9 8 References PlumX Metrics Related eJournals Medical Devices eJournal Follow Medical Devices eJournal Subscribe to this fee journal for more curated articles on this topic FOLLOWERS 23 PAPERS 621 Feedback Feedback to SSRN Feedback (required) Email (required) Submit If you need immediate assistance, call 877-SSRNHelp (877 777 6435) in the United States, or +1 212 448 2500 outside of the United States, 8:30AM to 6:00PM U.S. Eastern, Monday - Friday.

AbstractTraditional continuous training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). However, there is conflicting evidence regarding which form of training demonstrates the greatest improvements to V̇O2max, and data in women is sparse. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess whether moderate to vigorous-intensity continuous training (MVICT) or HIIT was superior at improving V̇O2max in women. Randomised controlled and parallel studies examined the influence of MVICT and/or HIIT on V̇O2max in women. There was no statistical difference in V̇O2max improvements after training between women in the MVICT and HIIT cohorts (mean difference [MD]: −0.42, 95%CI: −1.43 to 0.60, p>0.05). Both MVICT and HIIT increased V̇O2max from baseline (MD: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.73 to 3.67 and MD: 3.16, 95% CI 2.09 to 4.24, respectively, p<0.001). Greater improvements in V̇O2max were observed in women who participated in more training sessions in both training formats. Long-HIIT was superior to short-HIIT protocols at increasing V̇O2max. Although MVICT and long-HIIT sessions elicited greater increases in V̇O2max in younger women compared to short-HIIT protocols, these differences were negligible in older women. Our findings suggest MVICT and HIIT are equally effective strategies for improving V̇O2max and indicate an effect of age on its response to training in women.

checked references. The idea to study quadriceps endurance is an inspired one, and makes a lot of sense. I think it is prudent that the authors highlighted that the current study is cross-sectional, and therefore cause and effect cannot be inferred. However, it was also useful that the authors highlight one study that showed the link between improved muscular endurance (through an exercise intervention) and increased physical activity levels. Obviously, much more research is needed to definitively show that increased muscular endurance leads to increased physical activity levels in COPD, rather than increased muscular endurance being a ‘by-product’ of increased physical activity, but the current study is a good first step.

Introduction: Increasing physical activity among posttreatment breast cancer survivors is essential, as greater physical activity reduces the relative risk of cancer-specific mortality. This trial examines how a fitness tracker-based intervention changes the physical activity behaviour of inactive posttreatment breast cancer survivors. Methods: Seventeen physically inactive posttreatment breast cancer survivors participated in a randomised cross-over controlled trial. Participants underwent a 12-week intervention of a fitness tracker combined with a behavioural counselling and goal-setting session and 12 weeks of normal activity (control). The primary outcome was the change in physical activity assessed by accelerometry over seven days. Results: The intervention achieved a mean increase of 4.5 min/day of moderate-vigorous physical activity, representative of a small-moderate effect (d = 0.34). Changes in time spent as a proportion of the day in light physical activity (-8.3%) and in sedentary behaviour (7.9%), were both significantly different to baseline (t (16) = 3.522, p < 0.01; t (16) = -3.162, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Interindividual differences in the change of patterns of physical activity behaviour suggest that only for some, fitness trackers can achieve a change in the level of moderate-vigorous physical activity.

Background Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by hair loss. Individuals diagnosed with it often describe feelings of trauma and social rejection due to cosmetic repercussions and are at high risk of experiencing psychological distress. Physical activity (PA) participation has been associated with better mental health outcomes in diverse populations. A preliminary study of individuals with AA indicated that severe hair loss is associated with symptomatic depression, anxiety and stress, which negatively impacted PA participation. While strategies to increase PA participation in the general population have been established, little is known about PA participation in people with AA. This study aimed to understand barriers and enablers to PA participation in people with AA to inform the development of evidence-based interventions. Methods The study used a grounded theory (GT) methodology, relying on an iterative and simultaneous process of data collection, coding, theory development, and data comparisons to explore the perceived barriers and enablers to PA. Data were collected through a focus group (8 participants [33.38 ± 10.81 years]) and individual telephone interviews (8 participants [33.89 ± 11.87 years]). The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Interview data were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results The constructivist grounded theory method used has assisted to develop an explanatory model which is used to explain the themes for barriers and enablers to PA participation. The four phases in the explanatory model are as follows (1) onset of AA; (2) reaction towards the condition; (3) adjustment; and (4) acceptance. Conclusion The findings highlighted perceived barriers and enablers to PA participation in people with AA. Future interventions could consider addressing these barriers specifically to maximise effectiveness and to improve mental health status based on the phases of the explanatory model.

Background The hip abductor muscle group stabilises the pelvis during gait to prevent excessive pelvic drop. Hip abductor weakness has been linked to musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic low-back pain. As such, it is important that practitioners can correctly diagnose hip abductor weakness in a clinical setting. Although the Trendelenburg test is commonly used by practitioners, the validity of this test to assess hip abductor weakness in the absence of musculoskeletal injury remains questionable. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of the Trendelenburg test, as observed by a practitioner, to assess frontal plane pelvic motion and hip abductor strength in a population without intra-articular hip disorders. Methods This study was performed between June 14th and October 16th 2019. Eighteen participants were recruited for this study. Peak normalised isometric and isokinetic hip abductor torque were measured bilaterally ( n = 36) using the Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer. Each participant performed the Trendelenburg test bilaterally ( n = 36) while a graduate year chiropractic practitioner assessed for a “positive” or “negative” sign. The test was simultaneously recorded using Vicon 3-Dimensional motion capture to measure frontal plane pelvic motion and elevation. Correlation analyses were performed between the measures of peak hip abductor torque and pelvic motion to determine if any relationship existed. Agreement between the practitioner and 3-Dimensional analysis was calculated using the kappa (κ) statistic. Results Weak, non-significant correlations were found between hip abductor strength and pelvic motion before outlier removal. Significant ( p < 0.05) yet weak correlations were found after outlier removal, except for isometric hip abductor strength. Weak agreement was found between the chiropractic practitioner and 3-Dimesnional analysis for the Trendelenburg test assessment (κ = 0.22–0.25). Conclusions This study found no significant relationship between normalised peak isometric and isokinetic hip abductor torque and frontal plane pelvic motion during the Trendelenburg test in a healthy young adult population. There was also poor agreement between the practitioner and pelvic motion assessments. Caution should be used when using this test, in the absence of intra-articular hip pathology, to assesses hip abductor weakness. Before any definitive conclusion can be made, studies with a larger sample size should be performed.

Background and aims: We aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability and validity of ultrasound for two commonly used types of transducer, using different methods for the estimation of muscle size and echo intensity (EI). Methods: Fourteen healthy adults were included in this study. Ultrasound images of the rectus femoris size (thickness in cm and cross-sectional area [CSA] in cm(2)), obtained at the mid-thigh, were validated against MRI. Both a linear and a curved array transducer were used to assess rectus femoris size and EI (values 0-255, higher scores indicating increased intramuscular fat and interstitial fibrous tissue). To assess test-retest reliability of ultrasound, participants were tested twice, with a one-week interval. Validity and reliability were evaluated using paired sample t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots. Results: No significant differences between the repeated evaluations of rectus femoris thickness, CSA and EI were found. Reliability for thickness and CSA evaluations was excellent for both transducers (ICC = 0.87-0.97) and moderate for EI (ICC = 0.42-0.44). Mean difference between MRI and ultrasound for CSA (curved = 0.59 cm(2), p = 0.086; linear = 2.1 cm(2), p = 0.002) and thickness (curved = 0.31 cm, p = 0.01; linear = 0.21 cm, p = 0.043) were small but significant, except for CSA using a curved transducer. Agreement between ultrasound and MRI ranged from moderate for thickness (ICC = 0.45) to excellent for CSA (ICC = 0.92). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the test-retest reliability and validity of muscle size estimation by ultrasound for both curved and linear array transducers seems to be adequate. Future studies should focus on the longitudinal evaluation of muscle size and EI by ultrasound. (c) 2019 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss. Its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in psychological well-being. Although physical activity (PA) has been associated with better mental health outcomes in diverse populations, the association in individuals with AA has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between PA and mental health outcomes in individuals with AA to inform intervention strategies for this specific population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who were diagnosed with AA. A total of 83 respondents aged (40.95 ± 13.24 years) completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Three-way contingency Chi-square analyses were used to determine the associations between PA, mental health outcomes and participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp. 81.9% of the participants did not meet PA guidelines. Participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp, and who did not meet PA guidelines, were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of severe depression (p = .003), moderate anxiety (p = .04) and mild stress (p = .003) than those who met guidelines Findings suggest that increased PA participation in AA individuals with severe hair loss is associated with improved mental health status. Intervention efforts for this specific population should consider barriers and enablers to PA participation as they face challenges that differ from the general population.

The paper explores the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury in tying steel reinforcement bars. Three tools are compared to determine the extent to which ergonomic tools can reduce the risk of injury to the back and wrist in steel-tying. A whole body system of wearable sensors was used to measure biomechanical risk in tying. Three tools were assessed to determine their impact on the risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury when used at different heights. These were: a conventional pincer-cutting tool; a power-driven tying tool, and a long handled stapler tool. No tool was found to work best in all situations. The long handled stapler tool significantly reduced trunk inclination when used from ground to shoulder height, but produced higher trunk extension (backward bending) when used above shoulder height. The power tying tool did not reduce the need to bend when working at lower work heights. The power-tying tool produced significantly lower peak wrist flexion values compared to the conventional pincer-cutter tool at all work heights except overhead. The power tying tool involved significantly lower levels of wrist rotation than the conventional pincer-cutter tool at all work heights above knee level. Many assessments of ergonomic risk factors in construction rely on observational methods. The use of small, lightweight wearable sensors permits the objective measurement of biomechanical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal injury, as well as providing objective performance data that can be used in the design and selection of task-specific tools. Our analysis of work by height also provides insight into the way in which risk factors and reduction opportunities afforded by different tools vary depending on the height at which work is to be performed.

The goal of this study was to determine whether ultrasound measures of muscle architecture can be used to infer strength and functional capacity in older adults. Thirty-six healthy older adults (aged 68.2 ± 5.3 y) undertook isokinetic dynamometry for isometric and isokinetic concentric knee extensor strength, the 6-m fast walk, timed up and go, stair climb and descent and vertical jump tests. Longitudinal brightness-mode ultrasound scans (probe frequency, 10 MHz) of the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius medialis were obtained, and muscle architecture measures (thickness, fascicle pennation angle and fascicle length) were correlated with the aforementioned strength and functional measures. Quadriceps thickness was a significant (p < 0.05) independent predictor of isometric and isokinetic knee extensor strength (R2 ≥ 0.630). Gastrocnemius medialis thickness was a significant independent predictor of 6-m fast walk test (R2 = 0.216, p < 0.05), timed up and go test (R2 = 0.455, p < 0.01), stair climb power (R2 = 0.591, p < 0.01), stair descent power (R2 = 0.608, p < 0.01) and vertical jump height (R2 = 0.579, p < 0.01). Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive and efficient tool for inferring the strength and functional capacity of older adults.

Wearing high heeled footwear during gait increases risks of trips and falls, and suffering from lower-limb injuries. High heel footwear increases knee extension moment and hence knee joint load. Consequently, prolonged wearing of high heel footwear may increase risks of knee osteoarthritis. Although, many studies have investigated the effect of heel height on knee joint moments, most studies do not account for the confounding effect of walking speed. Three-dimensional gait analysis and inverse dynamics were used to investigate the effect of heel height and walking speed on the peak knee joint moment during stance. This found heel height affects the peak knee extension moment more significantly than walking speed. More importantly, this study shows that wearers of higher heel heights are likely to be exposed to greater knee compression forces than when walking faster.

Objectives To evaluate the associations between an objective measure of different intensities of physical activity, upper- and lower-limb muscle strength and psychomotor performance and set-shifting domains of cognitive executive function in older adults. Design A cross-sectional study. Methods From the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study, 188 community-dwelling older adults (53.7% female; mean age ± SD 63.98 ± 7.3 years) undertook 7-day physical activity behaviour monitoring using an accelerometer. Dynamometers were used to assess leg extension strength. The Trail Maker Tests were used to measure psychomotor processing speed and set-shifting performance. Results When controlling for age, smoking history, alcohol intake, educational achievement and neuropsychological functioning, higher levels of light physical activity, but not sedentary behaviour or moderate or vigorous physical activity, was found to be associated with better set-shifting performance. Neither physical activity behaviour or muscle strength were found to be associated with psychomotor performance. In addition, older age, greater alcohol intake, and lower levels of educational attainment, verbal learning and memory performance were significantly associated with lower scores on the set-shifting task; whereas older age and reduced neuropsychological functioning were associated with lower psychomotor processing speed scores. Conclusions Light physical activity is associated with higher executive functioning in community-dwelling older adults and this strengthens the evidence supporting exercise as a neuroprotective agent. Further studies are needed to understand why light physical activity behaviour positively influences executive functioning, and how such physical activity can be implemented into the daily routine of older adults.

There is evidence that an acute bout of exercise confers cognitive benefits, but it is largely unknown what the optimal mode and duration of exercise is and how cognitive performance changes over time after exercise. We compared the cognitive performance of 31 older adults using the Stroop test before, immediately after, and at 30 and 60 min after a 10 and 30 min aerobic or resistance exercise session. Heart rate and feelings of arousal were also measured before, during, and after exercise. We found that, independent of mode or duration of exercise, the participants improved in the Stroop Inhibition task immediately postexercise. We did not find that exercise influenced the performance of the Stroop Color or Stroop Word Interference tasks. Our findings suggest that an acute bout of exercise can improve cognitive performance and, in particular, the more complex executive functioning of older adults.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the validity of energy expenditure estimation made by the Fitbit One, Garmin Vivofit and Jawbone UP activity trackers during treadmill walking and running. Determining validity of such trackers will inform the interpretation of the data they generate. Design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Fourteen adults walked at 0.70, 1.25, 1.80 ms−1 and ran at 2.22, 2.78, 3.33 ms−1 on a treadmill wearing a Fitbit One, Garmin Vivofit and Jawbone UP. Estimation of energy expenditure from each tracker was compared to measurement from indirect calorimetry (criterion). Paired t-tests, correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots assessed agreement and proportional bias. Mean percentage difference assessed magnitude of difference between estimated and criterion energy expenditure for each speed. Results: Energy expenditure estimates from the Fitbit One and Garmin Vivofit correlated significantly (p< 0.01; r= 0.702; 0.854) with criterion across all gait speeds (0.70–3.33 ms−1). Fitbit One, Garmin Vivofit and Jawbone UP correlated significantly (p < 0.05; r = 0.729; 0.711; 0.591) with criterion across all walking speeds (0.70–1.80 ms−1). However, only the Garmin Vivofit correlated significantly (p< 0.05; r = 0.346) with energy expenditure estimations from criterion across running speeds (2.22–3.33 ms−1). Bland–Altman plots showed proportional bias for the Fitbit One and Garmin Vivofit. Energy expenditure estimations of single speeds were overestimated by the Fitbit One and underestimated by the Garmin Vivofit. Conclusions: Energy expenditure reported by the devices distinguished between walking and running, with a general increase as exercise intensity increased. However, the reported energy expenditure from these devices should be interpreted with caution, given their potential bias and error. Practical implications Although devices report the same outcome of EE estimation, they are not equivalent to each other and differ from criterion measurements during walking and running. These devices are not suitable as research measurement tools for recording precise and accurate EE estimates but may be suitable for use in interventions of behaviour change as they provide feedback to user on trends in energy expenditure. If intending to use these devices in studies where precise measurements of energy expenditure are required, researchers need to undertake specific validation and reliability studies prior to interventions and the collection of cross-sectional data.

Reliable measures of muscle strength and functional capacity in older adults are essential. The aim of this study was to determine whether coefficients of variation (CVs) of individuals obtained at the first session can infer repeatability of performance in a subsequent session. Forty-eight healthy older adults (mean age 68.6 ± 6.1 years; age range 60-80 years) completed two assessment sessions, and on each occasion undertook: dynamometry for isometric and isokinetic quadriceps strength, 6 meter fast walk (6MFWT), timed up and go (TUG), stair climb and descent, and vertical jump. Significant linear relationships were observed between CVs in session 1 and the percentage difference between sessions 1 and 2 for torque at 60, 120, 240 and 360°/s, 6MFWT, TUG, stair climb, and stair descent. The results of this study could be used to establish criteria for determining an acceptably reliable performance in strength and functional tests.

Introduction: Reliable measures of muscle strength and function in older adults are essential for meaningful clinical assessments and to enable accurate conclusions to be made about interventions. However, multiple familiarisation sessions prior to assessments to ensure reliability are not feasible in many settings. Coefficients of variation (CVs) could be an efficient means of determining if an individual can produce repeatable subsequent performances in tests of muscle strength and function. The aims of this study were to determine: (i) whether CVs for each participant at the first test session can predict repeatability of performance in a subsequent session; and (ii) the level of CV that produces acceptable repeatability (<6% variation between the first and second test).