scholarly journals The effect of mental fatigue on half-marathon performance: a pragmatic trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Gattoni ◽  
Barry Vincent O’Neill ◽  
Cantor Tarperi ◽  
Federico Schena ◽  
Samuele Maria Marcora
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Endurance Athletes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Equivalence Testing ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Endurance Tests ◽  
Marathon Performance

Abstract Purpose It is well established that mental fatigue impairs performance during lab-based endurance tests lasting less than 45 min. However, the effects of mental fatigue on longer duration endurance events and in field settings are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental fatigue on performance during a half-marathon race. Methods Forty-six male amateur runners (means ± SD: age 43.8 ± 8.6 years, $$\dot V{O_{2peak}}$$ V ˙ O 2 p e a k 46.0 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min) completed a half-marathon after being randomly allocated to performing a 50-min mentally fatiguing task (mental fatigue group) or reading magazines for 50 min (control group). Running speed, heart rate, and perceived effort were measured during the race. Results Runners in the mental fatigue group completed the half-marathon approximately 4 min slower (106.2 ± 12.4 min) than those in the control group (102.4 ± 10.2 min), but this difference was not statistically significant (Cohen’s d = 0.333; p = 0.265). However, equivalence was not established [t(40.88) = 0.239, p = 0.594] and equivalence testing analysis excluded a beneficial effect of mental fatigue on half-marathon performance. Conclusion Due to its posttest-only design and the achievable sample size, the study did not have enough power to provide evidence that the observed 4-min increase in half-marathon time is statistically significant. However, equivalence testing suggests that mental fatigue has no beneficial effect on half-marathon performance in male amateur runners, and a harmful effect cannot be excluded. Overall, it seems prudent for endurance athletes to avoid mentally fatiguing tasks before competitions.

scholarly journals The Effect of Mental Fatigue on Half-Marathon Performance: a Pragmatic Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Gattoni ◽  
Barry Vincent O’Neill ◽  
Federico Schena ◽  
Samuele Maria Marcora
Keyword(s):  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Equivalence Testing ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Endurance Tests ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Marathon Performance

Abstract Purpose It is well established that mental fatigue impairs performance during lab-based endurance tests lasting < 45 min. However, the effects of mental fatigue on longer-duration endurance events and in field settings are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental fatigue on performance during a half-marathon race.Methods Forty-six male amateur runners (means ± SD: age 43.8 ± 8.6 years, V̇O2max 46.0 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min) completed an half-marathon after being randomly allocated to performing a 50-min mentally-fatiguing task (mental fatigue group) or reading magazines for 50 min (control group). Running speed, heart rate, and perceived effort were measured during the race.Results The mental fatigue group completed the half-marathon approximately four minutes slower (106.2 ± 12.4 min) than the control group (102.4 ± 10.2 min), but this difference was not statistically significant (Cohen’s d = 0.333; p = 0.265). However, equivalence was not established (t(40.88) = 0.239, p = 0.594) and equivalence testing analysis excluded a worthwhile positive effect of mental fatigue on half-marathon performance.Conclusion Due to its posttest-only design and the achievable sample size, the study did not have enough power to provide evidence that the observed 4-minute increase in half-marathon time is statistically significant. However, equivalence testing suggests that mental fatigue has no beneficial effects on half-marathon performance in male amateur runners, and harmful effects cannot be excluded. Overall, it seems prudent for endurance athletes to avoid mentally-fatiguing tasks before competitions.

Effects of Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Evident Cardiovascular Disease: An Investigation Using the SPRINT Study Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charalambos Vlachopoulos ◽  
Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios ◽  
Konstantinos Aznaouridis ◽  
Nikolaos Ioakeimidis ◽  
Panagiotis Xaplanteris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Intensive Treatment ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Background: Recent data advocate adoption of a more intensive treatment strategy for management of blood pressure (BP). </P><P> Objective: We investigated whether the overall effects of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) are applicable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. </P><P> Methods: In a post hoc analysis we analyzed data from SPRINT that randomly assigned 9361 individuals to a systolic BP (SBP) target of <120 mmHg (intensive treatment) or <140 mmHg (standard treatment). 1562 patients had clinically evident CVD (age=70.3±9.3 years, 24% females) at study entry and were followed for 3.1 years. Further, we assessed the effect of low (<150 mmHg) baseline SBP on outcome. </P><P> Results: In CVD patients, there was no benefit from the intensive treatment regarding all endpoints, except for a marginally significant benefit on all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 1.00; p=0.0509). Further, while there was no increase in serious adverse events (SAE) in the intensive group, there was increased risk for study-related SAE, acute renal failure and electrolyte abnormalities. In patients with low baseline SBP there was a beneficial effect on allcause mortality (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.96; p=0.033), but with greater stroke incidence (HR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.04 to 8.29; p=0.042). </P><P> Conclusion: We confirm the beneficial effect of the intensive strategy in SPRINT study on all-cause mortality and the harmful effect on specific adverse outcomes in patients with CVD. However, in patients with low baseline SBP stroke may increase.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effectiveness of Diabetes Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) as Implemented in Five Veterans Affairs Health Systems: a Multi-site Cluster Randomized Pragmatic Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Heisler ◽  
Jennifer Burgess ◽  
Jeffrey Cass ◽  
John F. Chardos ◽  
Alexander B. Guirguis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shared Medical Appointments ◽  
Site Cluster ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Objective To examine whether diabetes shared medical appointments (SMAs) implemented as part of usual clinical practice in diverse health systems are more effective than usual care in improving and sustaining A1c improvements. Research Design and Methods A multi-site cluster randomized pragmatic trial examining implementation in clinical practice of diabetes SMAs in five Veterans Affairs (VA) health systems was conducted from 2016 to 2020 among 1537 adults with type 2 diabetes and elevated A1cs. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either: (1) invitation to participate in a series of SMAs totaling 8–9 h; or (2) continuation of usual care. Relative change in A1c (primary outcome) and in systolic blood pressure, insulin starts, statin starts, and anti-hypertensive medication classes (secondary outcomes) were measured as part of usual clinical care at baseline, at 6 months and at 12 months (~7 months after conclusion of the final SMA in four of five sites). We examined outcomes in three samples of SMA participants: all those scheduled for a SMA, those attending at least one SMA, and those attending at least half of SMAs. Results Baseline mean A1c was 9.0%. Participants scheduled for an SMA achieved A1c reductions 0.35% points greater than the control group between baseline and 6-months follow up (p = .001). Those who attended at least one SMA achieved reductions 0.42 % points greater (p < .001), and those who attended at least half of scheduled SMAs achieved reductions 0.53 % points greater (p < .001) than the control group. At 12-month follow-up, the three SMA analysis samples achieved reductions from baseline ranging from 0.16 % points (p = 0.12) to 0.29 % points (p = .06) greater than the control group. Conclusions Diabetes SMAs as implemented in real-life diverse clinical practices improve glycemic control more than usual care immediately after the SMAs, but relative gains are not maintained. Our findings suggest the need for further study of whether a longer term SMA model or other follow-up strategies would sustain relative clinical improvements associated with this intervention. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02132676

scholarly journals Can Rules in Technical-Tactical Decisions Influence on Physical and Mental Load during Soccer Training? A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4313
Author(s):  
Tomás García-Calvo ◽  
Juan José Pulido ◽  
José Carlos Ponce-Bordón ◽  
Miguel Ángel López-Gajardo ◽  
Israel Teoldo Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Physical Load ◽  
Mental Load ◽  
Internal Load ◽  
Score System ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Soccer Training ◽  
Tactical Decisions ◽  
Performance Satisfaction

This study aimed to analyze the effects of rules limitations in pass decisions during soccer tasks on physical and mental load reported by players. Participants were 40 semiprofessional Spanish soccer players (Mage = 22.40, SD = 2.25) from two male teams. Two training sessions with four tasks (same tasks with different score system: two maintaining ball possession games with goalkeepers, and two maintaining ball possession games) in counterbalanced order between teams were completed. To achieve a goal during limitation tasks, a minimum number of players had to participate in the passes before the goal. Internal (perceived effort and heart rate) and external physical load (distances), mental load (validated adaptation of the NASA-TXL) and fatigue (VASfatigue) were quantified. Paired t-test and magnitude-based inference were conducted. The results showed significantly higher mean speeds (p < 0.01), effort perception (p < 0.001), and mental fatigue (very likely positive) during possession games with restrictions. Additionally, performance satisfaction obtained significantly higher values with goalkeepers and pass restrictions (very likely positive). External physical load showed no significant differences between situations. The influence of mental fatigue on internal load and the complexity of the tasks could explain these results. Coaches can use this information to manipulate the training load in ecological conditions.

scholarly journals The Effect of Administration of a Phytobiotic Containing Cinnamon Oil and Citric Acid on the Metabolism, Immunity, and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 399
Author(s):  
Magdalena Krauze ◽  
Monika Cendrowska-Pinkosz ◽  
Paulius Matuseviĉius ◽  
Anna Stępniowska ◽  
Paweł Jurczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Citric Acid ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cinnamon Oil ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acids

It was postulated that a phytobiotic preparation containing cinnamon oil and citric acid added to drinking water for chickens in a suitable amount and for a suitable time would beneficially modify the microbiota composition and morphology of the small intestine, thereby improving immunity and growth performance without inducing metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to establish the dosage and time of administration of such a phytobiotic that would have the most beneficial effect on the intestinal histology and microbiota, production results, and immune and metabolic status of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 980 one-day-old male chickens until the age of 42 days. The chickens were assigned to seven experimental groups of 140 birds each (seven replications of 20 individuals each). The control group (G-C) did not receive the phytobiotic. Groups CT-0.05, CT-0.1, and CT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in their drinking water in the amount of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mL/L, respectively, at days 1–42 of life (continuous application, CT). The birds in groups PT-0.05, PT-0.5, and PT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in the same amounts, but only at days 1–7, 15–21, and 29–35 of life (periodic application, PT). Selected antioxidant and biochemical parameters were determined in the blood of the chickens, as well as parameters of immune status and redox status. The morphology of the intestinal epithelium, composition of the microbiome, and production parameters of chickens receiving the phytobiotic in their drinking water were determined as well. The addition of a phytobiotic containing cinnamon oil and citric acid to the drinking water of broiler chickens at a suitable dosage and for a suitable time can beneficially modify the microbiome composition and morphometry of the small intestine (total number of fungi p < 0.001, total number of aerobic bacteria p < 0.001; and total number of coliform bacteria p < 0.001 was decreased) improving the immunity and growth performance of the chickens (there occurred a villi lengthening p = 0.002 and crypts deepening p = 0.003). Among the three tested dosages (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mL/L of water) of the preparation containing cinnamon oil, the dosage of 0.25 mL/L of water administered for 42 days proved to be most beneficial. Chickens receiving the phytobiotic in the amount of 0.25 mL/L had better growth performance, which was linked to the beneficial effect of the preparation on the microbiome of the small intestine, metabolism (the HDL level p = 0.017 was increased; and a decreased level of total cholesterol (TC) p = 0.018 and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) p = 0.007, LDL p = 0.041, as well as triacylglycerols (TAG) p = 0.014), and immune (the level of lysozyme p = 0.041 was increased, as well as the percentage of phagocytic cells p = 0.034, phagocytosis index p = 0.038, and Ig-A level p = 0.031) and antioxidant system (the level of LOOH p < 0.001, MDA p = 0.002, and the activity of Catalase (CAT) p < 0.001 were decreased, but the level of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) p = 0.029, glutathione p = 0.045 and vitamin C p = 0.021 were increased).

scholarly journals Effects of exercise in breast cancer patients: implications of the trials within cohorts (TwiCs) design in the UMBRELLA Fit trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne Gal ◽  
Evelyn M. Monninkhof ◽  
Carla H. van Gils ◽  
Rolf H. H. Groenwold ◽  
Sjoerd G. Elias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Trials Within Cohorts

Abstract Purpose The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design aims to overcome problems faced in conventional RCTs. We evaluated the TwiCs design when estimating the effect of exercise on quality of life (QoL) and fatigue in inactive breast cancer survivors. Methods UMBRELLA Fit was conducted within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort. Patients provided consent for future randomization at cohort entry. We randomized inactive patients 12–18 months after cohort enrollment. The intervention group (n = 130) was offered a 12-week supervised exercise intervention. The control group (n = 130) was not informed and received usual care. Six-month exercise effects on QoL and fatigue as measured in the cohort were analyzed with intention-to-treat (ITT), instrumental variable (IV), and propensity scores (PS) analyses. Results Fifty-two percent (n = 68) of inactive patients accepted the intervention. Physical activity increased in patients in the intervention group, but not in the control group. We found no benefit of exercise for dimensions of QoL (ITT difference global QoL: 0.8, 95% CI = − 2.2; 3.8) and fatigue, except for a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue (ITT difference: − 1.1, 95% CI = − 1.8; − 0.3; IV: − 1.9, 95% CI = − 3.3; − 0.5, PS: − 1.2, 95% CI = − 2.3; − 0.2). Conclusion TwiCs gave insight into exercise intervention acceptance: about half of inactive breast cancer survivors accepted the offer and increased physical activity levels. The offer resulted in no improvement on QoL, and a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR5482/NL.52062.041.15), date of registration: December 07, 2015.

scholarly journals Isolated Core Training Improves Sprint Performance in National-Level Junior Swimmers

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Weston ◽  
Angela E. Hibbs ◽  
Kevin G. Thompson ◽  
Iain R. Spears
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
National Level ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Swim Performance ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Training

Purpose:To quantify the effects of a 12-wk isolated core-training program on 50-m front-crawl swim time and measures of core musculature functionally relevant to swimming.Methods:Twenty national-level junior swimmers (10 male and 10 female, 16 ± 1 y, 171 ± 5 cm, 63 ± 4 kg) participated in the study. Group allocation (intervention [n = 10], control [n = 10]) was based on 2 preexisting swim-training groups who were part of the same swimming club but trained in different groups. The intervention group completed the core training, incorporating exercises targeting the lumbopelvic complex and upper region extending to the scapula, 3 times/wk for 12 wk. While the training was performed in addition to the normal pool-based swimming program, the control group maintained their usual pool-based swimming program. The authors made probabilistic magnitude-based inferences about the effect of the core training on 50-m swim time and functionally relevant measures of core function.Results:Compared with the control group, the core-training intervention group had a possibly large beneficial effect on 50-m swim time (–2.0%; 90% confidence interval –3.8 to –0.2%). Moreover, it showed small to moderate improvements on a timed prone-bridge test (9.0%; 2.1–16.4%) and asymmetric straight-arm pull-down test (23.1%; 13.7–33.4%), and there were moderate to large increases in peak EMG activity of core musculature during isolated tests of maximal voluntary contraction.Conclusion:This is the first study to demonstrate a clear beneficial effect of isolated core training on 50-m front-crawl swim performance.

Expected Task Duration and Perceived Effort: An Attributional Analysis

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter J. Rejeski ◽  
Paul M. Ribisl
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Treadmill Running ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Heart Rates ◽  
Task Duration ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Attributional Analysis ◽  
Male Subjects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of anticipated task duration on ratings of perceived exertion during treadmill running. Male subjects.(N = 15) completed two separate runs on a motor-driven treadmill at 85% V02 max. During one trial, subjects ran for a period of 20 minutes, while for a second trial, subjects were led to believe that they would be running for 30 minutes. In each case, the trials were terminated at the 20-minute mark. Ratings of perceived exertion, heart rates, respiratory rates, and ventilatory minute volumes were collected across each trial. Results supported the supposition that the anticipation of continued performance mediated ratings of effort expenditure. This effect was obtained only during moderate work levels and was in contrast to research examining mental fatigue.

Chronic Beneficial Effect of Makeup Therapy on Cognitive Function of Dementia and Facial Appearance Analyzed by Artificial Intelligence Software

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Koh Tadokoro ◽  
Toru Yamashita ◽  
Junko Sato ◽  
Yoshio Omote ◽  
Mami Takemoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Skin Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Facial Appearance ◽  
Social Lives

Background: Makeup greatly impacts normal social lives but can also be a non-pharmacological form of therapy for dementia. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of makeup therapy. Methods: We carried out a prospective interventional study on female nursing home residents with dementia, focusing on the chronic therapeutic effect of makeup therapy. Thirty-four patients who received either only skin care (control group, n = 16) or skin care plus makeup therapy (makeup therapy group, n = 18) once every 2 weeks for 3 months were assessed. Results: Three months of makeup therapy significantly improved the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score compared with control patients ( * p <  0.05). Artificial intelligence (AI) software revealed that the appearance of age decreased significantly in the makeup group compared with the control, especially among patients without depression ( * p <  0.05). Furthermore, a larger AI happiness score was significantly correlated with a greater improvement of ADL in the makeup therapy group (r = 0.43,  * p <  0.05). Conclusion: Makeup therapy had a chronic beneficial effect on the cognitive function of female dementia patients, while the chronic effect of makeup therapy on facial appearance was successfully detected by the present AI software.

To Study the Deteriorating Effects of Lithium Carbonate on Thyroid Gland - A Study in Albino Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3292-3293
Author(s):  
Tazeen Kohari ◽  
Zaffar Iqbal Malik ◽  
Aftab Ahmad ◽  
Rana M. Asad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Gland ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Lithium Carbonate ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: The human thyroid gland is located in the front of neck. It consists of two lobes. The two lobes are joined with each other by isthmus. The mood stabilizer Lithium Caronate has deleterious effects on the thyroid gland. Aim: To observe and report the data of the harmful effect of Lithium on the weight changes of thyroid gland. Methods: Sixteen rats were selected for this experimental study. The rodents were divided into two groups. Group A comprised of eight animals which were given laboratory diet, Group B contained eight albinos who were given Tablet Lithium Carbonate in powder form at a dose of 60 mg/day for four weeks. After completion of the study time animals were sacrificed and thyroid gland weight were recorded and compared in both groups. Results: The results in both groups were recorded and compared .It was reported that Group B animals had a highly significantly decreased thyroid weight after four weeks Lithium ingestion than Group A control group. Conclusion: The results of our study concluded that Lithium Carbonate damages thyroid glandular tissue and causes its weight to decline. Key words: Thyroid gland, Isthmus, deteriorating

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