Background Since anthropometric variables are critical to the creation of pulmonary nomograms for FVC, FEV1, and other volumes and capacities, it is logical that anthropometric variables also influence the values of the maximal respiratory pressures (MRPs). Since nomograms are race-specific, it is important that tribe-specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) be developed. To date normal tables for MRPs do not exist for Navajo children. Objective Therefore the purpose of this study was to derive MRP normative reference values for Navajo children in the age range of 6-14 years. Methods - Participants and Measurements A cross-sectional study was undertaken with a representative sample of 534 healthy children, ages 6-14 years, attending Navajo Nation elementary schools in Arizona. MIP and MEP were measured. Results Test results from 275 girls and 259 boys met American Thoracic Society quality control standards and showed that MRPs all increased with height. Mean MIP in cm H2O was 77 for boys and 67 for girls with lower limits of 44 and 40, respectively. Mean MEP in cm H2O was 75 for boys and 66 for girls with the lower limits of 42 and 38, respectively. Conclusion Since the data were collected from the population of interest, the resulting MIP and MEP reference equations should be used when testing Navajo children ages 6-14 years.

Bakgrund: Det finns en korrelation, främst hos uthållighetsidrottare, mellan prestationsförmåga och maximal syreupptagningsförmåga. Tillskott av rödbetsjuice har i tidigare studier gett ökad prestation och minskad syreförbrukning vid submaximalt arbete. Det finns däremot få studier som undersöker ifall relativt otränade individer eventuellt påverkas av ett nitrattillskott i form av koncentrerad rödbetsjuice. Studiens syfte är att undersöka ifall den akuta effekten av nitrat i rödbetsjuice kan påverka syreförbrukningen vid ett submaximalt arbete hos individer som ej uppnår FYSS rekommendationer för fysisk aktivitet.Metod: En enkelblindad cross-over studiedesign har använts, där 11 stycken deltagare fick cykla ett Åstrands cykelergometertest vid två separata tillfällen. Vid testtillfälle nummer ett fick de förtära placebo i form av 140 ml koncentrerad svartvinbärsaft och vid testtillfälle två fick de förtära 140 ml koncentrerad rödbetsjuice som innehåller cirka 600 mg nitrat. Resultat: Ett Wilcoxon teckenrangtest genomfördes på variabeln Borg-skala och ett Parat t-test genomfördes på variabeln VO2max L/min. Resultatet från Wilcoxon teckenrangtestet med variabeln Borg-skala visade på p=0,621 där medianvärdet vid testtillfälle ett var 14 och kvartilavståndet 3,62 och vid testtillfälle två var medianvärdet 13,5 och kvartilavståndet 4. Resultatet från det Parade t-testet på variabeln VO2max L/min visade på p=0,096 där medelvärde på testtillfälle ett var 2,947±0,88 och vid testtillfälle två var det 3,158±1,11. Slutsats: Då studien ej har fått några signifikanta resultat utan kan endast tyda på eventuella trender, anser vi att rödbetsjuice inte kan påverka syreförbrukningen vid ett submaximalt test.

The Borg 6–20 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale is a common measure reported during exercise testing and training, and is usually taken as a response measurement to provide a subjective assessment of exercise intensity. A lesser used application of the scale is for regulating exercise intensity, referred to as its ‘production mode’. Recent research on this topic initiated by Eston et al. (2005) has led to a novel application of this procedure as a means of predicting an individual’s maximal oxygen uptake ( O2max) via a perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRET). The PRET could play a significant role in guiding exercise prescription and monitoring cardiorespiratory fitness levels in situations where the normal heart rate response is affected. The aim of this thesis is to develop further and test the integrity of the PRET technique. Firstly, a review of the evidence on the validity and reliability of the Borg RPE scale when used to regulate exercise intensity in healthy and unhealthy adults is presented, as to-date, no scholarly publication has synthesised the body of knowledge on this specific application of the scale. Subsequently, four studies were completed to investigate the effects of different methodological variations on the predictive capabilities of the PRET, including an examination (for the first time) of its utility among heart failure patients (Study 4). Study 1 re-visited the validity and reliability of the PRET technique utilising a modified protocol of differing durations (2 and 4 min bouts), with revised instructions and placing the graded exercise test (GXT) as the final trial during cycle ergometry. Superior results were observed to those reported in previous investigations (Eston et al., 2008; Faulkner et al. 2007; Eston et al., 2006) during the 3 min trial, further reinforcing the validity and reliability of this technique. Accordingly, Study 2 was the first to investigate the reliability and validity of a treadmill PRET protocol with a ceiling intensity of RPE 15, rather than RPE 17, and observed that a safer modified PRET (with practice) provides acceptably valid and reliable predictions of O2max in healthy adults. In addition, Study 3 extended the research thus far by investigating the PRET protocol during cycle exercise, once again with a ceiling intensity of RPE 15, and demonstrated that (with practice) a cycle-based PRET can yield reliable and valid predictions of O2max that compare favourably to previous investigations. Finally, given that the research employing a PRET has unanimously alluded to its likely value in clinical populations among whom heart rate as a physiological response to exercise is affected (e.g. via medication) and precluded as a means predicting O2max, Study 4 investigated the utility of a PRET in a beta-blocked population of heart failure patients. In the event, it was observed that a PRET (up to RPE 15) was too strenuous and needs to be capped at an intensity of RPE 13 in this population. In addition a continuous protocol seemed unsuitable due to its length and it was recommended that a discontinuous PRET protocol be investigated. Future research needs to investigate the utilisation of the PRET (i) in different exercise modes; (ii) determine the optimum number of practice trials required; (iii) whether a discontinuous or continuous protocol is more appropariate; (iv) whether the extrapolation should be made to RPE 19 or 20 and; (v) whether the PRET can be employed succesfully in other clinical populations.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

One of the earliest sub-clinical stages associated with atherosclerosis is endothelial dysfunction (ED), which has been shown to predict future cardiovascular events. Chronic exercise is thought to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of acute exercise on vascular function (VF). Moreover, studies evaluating ED following an exercise training program lack a standardized time frame in which to measure VF. Although most studies require subjects to abstain from exercise for 24 hours prior to any VF measure, no study to date has assessed VF longer than 24 hours after the cessation of exercise. Additionally, no studies have compared VF responses in obese and non-obese individuals following acute exercise. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate VF, as determined by the assessment of forearm blood flow (FBF) and vascular reactivity (VR) before and up to 48 hours after a single bout of maximal exercise in obese and non-obese males. Methods: Twelve obese (37.0 ± 1.1 kg/m2) and twelve non-obese (21.9 ± 0.3 kg/m2) males volunteered to participate. FBF was assessed before and during reactive hyperemia (RH). FBF measures were obtained prior to (PRE-E), immediately after (POST-E), and at 1 (POST-1), 2 (POST-2), 24 (POST-24), and 48 (POST-48) hours after exercise. Total excess flow, calculated as the difference between baseline FBF and FBF during RH, was used as an indicator of VR. Blood samples were also obtained at each time point to evaluate the response of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which are potential modifiers of VF. Results: Baseline FBF and FBF during RH were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in both groups POST-E before returning to baseline values by POST-1. VR was enhanced in both groups POST-E, although the magnitude of change was greater in non-obese males. VR was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in non-obese males POST-E and was not significantly (P < 0.05) reduced until POST-48. Concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were unchanged in response to exercise in non-obese and obese males. Conclusions: An acute bout of maximal exercise significantly increased forearm endothelium-dependent vasodilation in non-obese and obese males. Additionally, an increased reactive vasodilation was observed only in non-obese males following exercise. These results also suggest that in non-obese males, measurements used to verify improvements in VF following exercise training should be employed after a minimum of 48 hours following physical activity.

Spirograms are widely used simple tests of ventilatory lung function. This thesis evaluates their analysis in the time domain as a means of improving their yield of diagnostic information. The most precise method for recording spirograms was determined. Errors due to non-instantaneous cooling of gas within spirometers were found to be greater than the known non-linearity of pneumotachographs when recording simulated spirograms. The analysis of spirograms inthe time domain involves considering the spirogram as a cumulative distribution of transit times and deriving the statistical moments of this distribution. A valid procedure for comparing the moments of truncated spirograms has been proposed and these truncated moments have been shown to be highly reproducible within individuals and retain discriminatory ability. A multi-exponential model of the spirogram has been considered in detail as a means of overcoming errors inherent in the moments of some spirograms. The most satisfactory technique for applying this model to describe spirograms has been determined and the model was found to reflect correctly abnormalities in spirograms for commonly found ventilatory disorders. A cross-sectional population survey of a male workforce was carried out to determine whether time domain analysis of spirograms detects abnormalities hitherto unappreciated. Normal values for conventional and time domain spirometric indices were determined. Smokers were found to have two types of spirogram abnormality previously not recognised. The more commonly found abnormality was evident early within the spirogram, and the other was only evident in the tail of the spirogram. These findings do not agree with current hypotheses that smoking damage should be first manifest in the terminal part of a maximal forced expiratory manoeuvre. Alternative hypotheses are proposed. Time domain analysis of spirograms has been found to demonstrate hitherto unrecognised changes in spirograms due to smoking.

No description available.

Orientador: Ellen Cristini de Freitas / Banca: Marcelo Papoti / Banca: Julio Sérgio Marchini / Resumo: A taurina é um aminoácido não essencial que atua principalmente no músculo esquelético evitando lesões musculares e auxiliando no tônus muscular. Visto a importância de um aporte nutricional adequado considerando calorias, carboidratos e proteínas, a fim de maximizar a recuperação após o treino e minimizar o risco de lesões musculares, a utilização de taurina seria uma alternativa para prevenir a inflamação e danos musculares, favorecer o processo de síntese proteica e reparo muscular e consequentemente melhorar a qualidade do treino sequencial dos triatletas. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos de 8 semanas de suplementação de taurina e achocolatado sobre os marcadores de lesão muscular, resposta inflamatória e a capacidade aeróbia em triatletas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo duplo cego, crossover, randomizado o qual contou com a participação de 9 triatletas da categoria de longa distância, do sexo masculino, com idade entre 25 a 35 anos. Foi realizada a suplementação de 3 gramas de taurina (TAU) ou placebo (PLA) associado a 400 ml de achocolatado de baixo de teor de gordura, durante o período de 8 semanas. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue antes (Pré) e após (Pós) cada período de suplementação para quantificação de marcadores de lesão muscular como lactato desidrogenase (LDH) e creatina quinase (CK), e também de marcadores inflamatórios como fatores de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-alfa) e interleucina-6 (IL-6). O desempenho físico dos triatletas foi avaliado por teste de exaustão em esteira. RESULTADOS: Foi constatado um aumento significativo nas concentrações de CK após a suplementação taurina (p=0,01). Entretanto as concentrações de LDH não apresentaram diferença significativa após as suplementações realizadas (TAU 16 Pré; 270,13±141,3 U.L-1 e... / Abstract: Taurine is an essential amino acid that acts primarily in skeletal muscle preventing muscle damage and improving muscle tone. Given the importance of an adequate nutritional supply considering calories, carbohydrates and proteins in order to maximize recovery after training and to minimize the risk of muscle damage, the use of taurine would be an alternative to prevent the inflammation and muscle damage, favor the process of protein synthesis and muscle repair and consequently improve the quality of triathlon training. In order to verify the effects of 8 weeks of taurine and chocolate milk supplementation, markers of muscle damage and inflammatory response, and aerobic capacity were quantified in triathletes. METHODS: A double-blind, crossover, randomized study was conducted with 9 male long distance triathletes, aged 25-35 years. Supplementation of 3 g of taurine was performed (TAU) or placebo (PLA) associated with 400 ml low fat chocolate milk during an 8-week period. Blood samples were collected before (Pre) and after (Post) each supplementation period for quantification of markers of muscle damage: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), inflammatory markers: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), the physical performance of triathletes was evaluated by treadmill test until exhaustion. RESULTS: It was observed a significant increase in CK levels after TAU supplementation (p = 0.01). However, LDH concentrations did not differ significantly after the supplementations performed (TAU Pre; 270.13 ± 141.3 UL-1 and Post 350 ± 186 UL-1 ); (PLA Pre 196.07 ± 78.1 UL-1 and Post 230.2 ± 98.5 UL-1 ), and there were no changes in physical performance parameters; Anaerobic Threshold (TAU Pré 11,05±0,7 km/h e Pós 11,12±0,94 km/h); (PLA Pré 11,1±0,8 km/h e Pós 18 11,05±1,2), ... / Mestre

Atualmente são utilizados diversos equipamentos e implementos para treinamento de força. Os flexores do cotovelo apresentam enorme variedade de exercícios, cada qual apresentando diferentes características de torque externo. Na maioria dos casos, a escolha dessa característica aparenta não seguir nenhum critério pré-estabelecido para sua determinação, sendo que a variação desse torque externo é fator causador de grande influência na adaptação do músculo ao treinamento imposto. Com isso, a escolha de um exercício demanda conhecimento dos objetivos de treino, além do conhecimento das características musculares, no que diz respeito à possibilidade de produção de força e torque musculares. Esse estudo objetivou verificar o comportamento do torque muscular de flexão do cotovelo de indivíduos ativos e sedentários, comparando-os com a característica de torque externo de quatro exercícios usuais de flexão do cotovelo (Rosca Direta, Rosca Scott, Rosca Banco Inclinado e Rosca Polia). Além disso, visou-se comparar a capacidade de produção de torque entre as três posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Assim, foi avaliado o torque concêntrico máximo de flexão do cotovelo, numa velocidade de 45º/s, num dinamômetro isocinético. A amostra contou com 20 universitários jovens e saudáveis, divididos nos dois grupos. As relações torque-ângulo encontradas para o grupo de ativos não apresentaram pico de torque e, sim, um platô que se prolonga por grande parte da relação. As relações torqueângulo encontradas para o grupo de sedentários apresentam um pico definido, ocorrendo, em média, entre 32º e 43º de flexão do cotovelo, porém com grande variabilidade. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as posições da articulação rádioulnar com relação à: ângulo de pico, taxa de acréscimo, taxa de decréscimo, torque final (sedentários) e torque absoluto. Apenas o grupo de ativos apresentou diferenças significativas entre as posições com relação ao torque final. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos com relação à: taxa de acréscimo e torque final. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação à taxa de decréscimo, em todas as posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Nenhum dos exercícios avaliados parece apresentar uma característica de torque externo condizente com quaisquer relações torque-ângulo encontradas nesse estudo. Assim, foi sugerida uma polia assimétrica, com raio variando de acordo com as taxas de variação média de torque encontradas na amostra, produzindo, assim, um torque externo que acompanha as características de produção de torque muscular. Nesse estudo, foi possível concluir que existe grande variabilidade com relação às variáveis inerentes às características de produção máxima de torque flexor do cotovelo. Assim, é possível que se faça inferências com relação à adaptação funcional obtida com o treinamento, o qual levaria a musculatura a apresentar um pico de torque mais bem definido e próximo aos 90º de flexão do cotovelo. Por outro lado, o sedentarismo faria com que o ângulo de maior produção de torque muscular se aproxime da extensão do cotovelo, numa característica de produção de força condizente com o trecho ascendente da relação forçacomprimento, atuando num ciclo alongamento-encurtamento. / Nowadays there are many types of equipment used to strength training. Especially the elbow flexors present great variety of exercises, each one with different resistance moment characteristics. In the majority of the cases, this characteristic of resistance moment does not seem to follow any criterion for its determination and its variation is a causing factor of great influence in the muscle adaptation to the imposed training. Thus, the exercise choice demands to know the objectives of the training and muscle characteristics, in respect to the possibility of muscle force and moment production. This aim of this study was to verify the elbow flexor muscle moment profile of actives and sedentary subjects, comparing it with resistance moment characteristics of four usual exercises of elbow flexion (Barbell Biceps Curl, Scott Biceps Curl, Lying Dumbbell Curl and Standing Cable Curl). Moreover, it was aimed to compare the moment production capacity between three forearm positions. Thus, it was measured maximal concentric elbow flexion moment, at 45º/s, on an isokinetic dynamometer. The sample was composed by 20 young and healthy students, divided in two groups. The moment-angle relationship founded in the active group did not show a moment peak, but a plateau that prolongs for great part of the relationship. The moment-angle relationship founded in the sedentary group showed a defined peak, occurring, on average, between 32º and 43º of elbow flexion, however with great variability. It was not founded statistic differences between forearm positions in relation to: moment peak angle, moment increase rate, moment decrease rate, final moment (sedentary) and absolute moment. Only the active group shown statistic differences between positions in relation to final moment. It was not founded statistic differences between groups in relation to: moment increase rate and final moment. There was statistic difference between groups in relation to moment decrease rate, in all forearm positions. None of the evaluated exercises seems to show an external moment characteristic suitable with any moment-angle relationship founded on this study. Thus, it was suggested an asymmetrical pulley, whose radius variation fit well with increase and decrease rates founded at this sample, producing, in this way, an external moment suitable with the capacity of muscle moment production. In this study, it was possible to conclude that occur great variability in respect to the variables inherent to the characteristics of maximal elbow moment flexion production. Thus, it was possible to infer in relation to functional adaptation gotten with the training, which would lead the muscle to present a most defined moment peak and closer to 90º of elbow flexion. Nevertheless, the sedentary would lead the moment peak angle closer to elbow extension, which force production characteristic would be suitable with the ascending limb of force-length relationship, undergoing a stretch-shortening cycle.

The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) has been cited often in the scientific literature; however, there is still a lack of agreement as to the ideal body position used during this test, and how body position impacts the relationship between IMTP performance and dynamic performance. Thus, one aim of this dissertation was to compare two different IMTP positions and correlate the kinetic outputs from each position to vertical jump (VJ) performance. Another purpose of this dissertation was analyze which method of data normalization for IMTP force variables best correlates to squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. In the first study, subjects presented higher force outputs for an upright position (hip angles 145°, knee 125°) when compared to a bent position (hip angles 125°, knee 125°). However, there were no statistical differences among correlations from the two positions when correlating to VJ performance. Thus, we suggest that the upright position should be the one used for research and monitoring due to higher force values presented. The second part of this study was to compare correlations from non-normalized and normalized data from the IMTP to SJ and CMJ. Besides non-normalized data, five common methods of normalization were used – subtracting the body mass force, dividing the forces per body mass, allometric scale, scaling by height (Ford’s scale) and scaling by Sinclair coefficient value. In general, higher value correlations were presented with the non-normalized methods for both jumps – SJ and CMJ. Therefore, when using IMTP data to correlate with VJ performance, there is no need to normalize the data.