Do stair climbing exercise “snacks” improve cardiorespiratory fitness?

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 681-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Madison Jenkins ◽  
Leah N. Nairn ◽  
Lauren E. Skelly ◽  
Jonathan P. Little ◽  
Martin J. Gibala
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
The Absolute

We investigated the effect of stair climbing exercise “snacks” on peak oxygen uptake. Sedentary young adults were randomly assigned to perform 3 bouts/day of vigorously ascending a 3-flight stairwell (60 steps), separated by 1–4 h of recovery, 3 days/week for 6 weeks, or a nontraining control group (n = 12 each). Peak oxygen uptake was higher in the climbers after the intervention (P = 0.003), suggesting that stair climbing “snacks” are effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, although the absolute increase was modest.

scholarly journals Nonresponders of Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) Can Increase Their Exercise Capacity with Enhanced Physiotherapist Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4795
Author(s):  
Tom Martinsson Ngouali ◽  
Mats Börjesson ◽  
Åsa Cider ◽  
Stefan Lundqvist
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity

Swedish physical activity on prescription (PAP) is an evidence-based method to promote physical activity. However, few studies have investigated the effect of Swedish PAP on physical fitness, in which better cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and diagnose-specific mortality. Direct measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, usually expressed as maximal oxygen uptake, are difficult to obtain. Hence, exercise capacity can be assessed from a submaximal cycle ergometer test, taking the linear relationship between heart rate, work rate, and oxygen uptake into account. The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise capacity in the long term, following PAP treatment with enhanced physiotherapist support in a nonresponding patient cohort. In total, 98 patients (48 women) with insufficient physical activity levels, with at least one component of the metabolic syndrome and nonresponding to a previous six-month PAP treatment, were randomized to PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist and additional exercise capacity tests during a two-year period. A significant increase in exercise capacity was observed for the whole cohort at two-year follow-up (7.6 W, p ≤ 0.001), with a medium effect size (r = 0.34). Females (7.3 W, p = 0.025), males (8.0 W, p = 0.018) and patients ≥58 years old (7.7 W, p = 0.002) improved significantly, whereas a nonsignificant increase was observed for patients <58 years old (7.6 W, p = 0.085). Patients with insufficient physical activity levels who did not respond to a previous six-month PAP treatment can improve their exercise capacity following PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist during a two-year period. Future studies should include larger cohorts with a control group to ensure valid estimations of exercise capacity and PAP.

scholarly journals Brain Structure, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Executive Control Changes after a 9-Week Exercise Intervention in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
Lina Zhu ◽  
Qian Yu ◽  
Fabian Herold ◽  
Boris Cheval ◽  
Xiaoxiao Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Younger Adults

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is assumed to exert beneficial effects on brain structure and executive control (EC) performance. However, empirical evidence of exercise-induced cognitive enhancement is not conclusive, and the role of CRF in younger adults is not fully understood. Here, we conducted a study in which healthy young adults took part in a moderate aerobic exercise intervention program for 9 weeks (exercise group; n = 48), or control condition of non-aerobic exercise intervention (waitlist control group; n = 72). Before and after the intervention period maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) as an indicator of CRF, the Flanker task as a measure of EC performance and grey matter volume (GMV), as well as cortical thickness via structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were assessed. Compared to the control group, the CRF (heart rate, p < 0.001; VO2max, p < 0.001) and EC performance (congruent and incongruent reaction time, p = 0.011, p < 0.001) of the exercise group were significantly improved after the 9-week aerobic exercise intervention. Furthermore, GMV changes in the left medial frontal gyrus increased in the exercise group, whereas they were significantly reduced in the control group. Likewise, analysis of cortical morphology revealed that the left lateral occipital cortex (LOC.L) and the left precuneus (PCUN.L) thickness were considerably increased in the exercise group, which was not observed in the control group. The exploration analysis confirmed that CRF improvements are linked to EC improvement and frontal grey matter changes. In summary, our results support the idea that regular endurance exercises are an important determinant for brain health and cognitive performance even in a cohort of younger adults.

Alcohol consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness in five population-based studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian E Baumeister ◽  
Jonas D Finger ◽  
Sven Gläser ◽  
Marcus Dörr ◽  
Marcello RP Markus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽  
P Value ◽  
Independent Population ◽  
Average Alcohol

Background Poor cardiorespiratory fitness is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Alcohol consumption contributes substantially to the burden of disease, but its association with cardiorespiratory fitness is not well described. We examined associations between average alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking and cardiorespiratory fitness. Design The design of this study was as a cross-sectional population-based random sample. Methods We analysed data from five independent population-based studies (Study of Health in Pomerania (2008–2012); German Health Interview and Examination Survey (2008–2011); US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000; NHANES 2001–2002; NHANES 2003–2004) including 7358 men and women aged 20–85 years, free of lung disease or asthma. Cardiorespiratory fitness, quantified by peak oxygen uptake, was assessed using exercise testing. Information regarding average alcohol consumption (ethanol in grams per day (g/d)) and heavy episodic drinking (5+ or 6+ drinks/occasion) was obtained from self-reports. Fractional polynomial regression models were used to determine the best-fitting dose-response relationship. Results Average alcohol consumption displayed an inverted U-type relation with peak oxygen uptake ( p-value<0.0001), after adjustment for age, sex, education, smoking and physical activity. Compared to individuals consuming 10 g/d (moderate consumption), current abstainers and individuals consuming 50 and 60 g/d had significantly lower peak oxygen uptake values (ml/kg/min) (β coefficients = −1.90, β = −0.06, β = −0.31, respectively). Heavy episodic drinking was not associated with peak oxygen uptake. Conclusions Across multiple adult population-based samples, moderate drinkers displayed better fitness than current abstainers and individuals with higher average alcohol consumption.

scholarly journals Predicting maximal oxygen uptake from a 3-minute progressive knee-ups and step test

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10831
Author(s):  
Yu-Chun Chung ◽  
Ching-Yu Huang ◽  
Huey-June Wu ◽  
Nai-Wen Kan ◽  
Chin-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Fitness Assessment ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Health Related

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment is crucial for diagnosing health risks and assessing interventions. Direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 max) yields more objective and accurate results, but it is practical only in a laboratory setting. We therefore investigated whether a 3-min progressive knee-up and step (3MPKS) test can be used to estimate peak oxygen uptake in these settings. Method The data of 166 healthy adult participants were analyzed. We conducted a V̇O2 max test and a subsequent 3MPKS exercise test, in a balanced order, a week later. In a multivariate regression model, sex; age; relative V̇O2 max; body mass index (BMI); body fat percentage (BF); resting heart rate (HR0); and heart rates at the beginning as well as at the first, second, third, and fourth minutes (denoted by HR0, HR1, HR2, HR3, and HR4, respectively) during a step test were used as predictors. Moreover, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were used to evaluate the accuracy of various body composition models in predicting V̇O2max. Results The predicted and actual V̇O2 max values were significantly correlated (BF% model: R2 = 0.624, SEE = 4.982; BMI model: R2 = 0.567, SEE = 5.153). The BF% model yielded more accurate predictions, and the model predictors were sex, age, BF%, HR0, ΔHR3−HR0, and ΔHR3−HR4. Conclusion In our study, involving Taiwanese adults, we constructed and verified a model to predict V̇O2 max, which indicates cardiorespiratory fitness. This model had the predictors sex, age, body composition, and heart rate changes during a step test. Our 3MPKS test has the potential to be widely used in epidemiological research to measure V̇O2 max and other health-related parameters.

scholarly journals Assessing Differences in Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Respect to Maturity Status in Highly Trained Youth Soccer Players

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Doncaster ◽  
John Iga ◽  
Viswanath Unnithan
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Height Velocity ◽  
Peak Height Velocity ◽  
Youth Soccer

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine differences in measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and determinants of running economy with respect to maturity status in a group of highly trained youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 21 highly trained youth soccer players participated in this study. On separate visits, players’ peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), running economy at 3 different speeds [8 km·h−1, 80% gaseous exchange threshold (GET), and 95% GET], and pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics were determined. Players also performed a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Players were categorized as either “pre-PHV” (peak height velocity) or “mid-PHV” group using the measure of maturity offset. Independent t tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes were then used to assess differences between groups. Results: The mid-PHV group was significantly taller, heavier, and advanced in maturity status. Absolute measures of VO2peak were greater in the mid-PHV group; however, when expressed relative to body mass, fat-free mass, and theoretically derived exponents, VO2peak values were similar between groups. Pre-PHV group presented a significantly reduced VO2 response, during relative submaximal running speeds, when theoretically derived exponents were used, or expressed as %VO2peak. VO2 kinetics (tau) were faster during a low (standing) to moderate (95% GET) transition in the pre-PHV group. Yo-Yo IR1 performance was similar between groups. Conclusion: Although measures of VO2peak and Yo-Yo IR1 performance are shown to be similar between groups, those categorized as pre-PHV group display a superior running economy at relative submaximal running speeds and faster taus during a low to moderate exercise transition than their more mature counterparts.

scholarly journals Short-Term, Equipment-Free High Intensity Interval Training Elicits Significant Improvements in Cardiorespiratory Fitness Irrespective of Supervision in Early Adulthood

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanvir S. Sian ◽  
Thomas Inns ◽  
Amanda Gates ◽  
Brett Doleman ◽  
Nima Gharahdaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Plasma Insulin ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Intensity Interval Training ◽  
High Intensity Interval

Introduction: Serious health implications from having low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and being overweight in young adulthood are carried forward into later life. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-effective, potent stimulus for improving CRF and indices of cardiometabolic health. To date, few studies have investigated the use of equipment-free HIIT or the impact of supervision for improving CRF via HIIT.Methods: Thirty healthy young adults (18–30 y) were randomised to 4 weeks (12 sessions) equipment-free, bodyweight based supervised laboratory HIIT (L-HIIT), unsupervised home HIIT (H-HIIT) or no-intervention (CON). Utilised exercises were star jumps, squats and standing sprints. Measurements of CRF (anaerobic threshold (AT) and VO2peak), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), blood glucose and plasma insulin by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and muscle architecture were performed at baseline and after the intervention.Results: When compared to the control group, both HIIT protocols improved CRF (AT: L-HIIT mean difference compared to the control group (MD) +2.1 (95% CI: 0.34–4.03) ml/kg/min; p = 0.02; H-HIIT MD +3.01 (1.17–4.85) ml/kg/min; p = 0.002), VO2peak: L-HIIT (MD +2.94 (0.64–5.25) ml/kg/min; p = 0.01; H-HIIT MD +2.55 (0.34–4.76) ml/kg/min; p = 0.03), BMI (L-HIIT MD −0.43 (−0.86 to 0.00) kg/m2; p = 0.05; H-HIIT: MD −0.51 (−0.95 to −0.07) kg/m2; p = 0.03) and m. vastus lateralis pennation angle (L-HIIT MD 0.2 (0.13–0.27)°; p &lt; 0.001; H-HIIT MD 0.17 (0.09 to 0.24)°; p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant change in BP, blood glucose or plasma insulin in any of the groups.Conclusions: Four weeks time-efficient, equipment-free, bodyweight-based HIIT is able to elicit improvements in CRF irrespective of supervision status. Unsupervised HIIT may be a useful tool for counteracting the rise of sedentary behaviours and consequent cardiometabolic disorders in young adults.

scholarly journals Reliability of a Progressive Maximal Cycle Ergometer Test to Assess Peak Oxygen Uptake in Children With Mild to Moderate Cerebral Palsy

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merel-Anne Brehm ◽  
Astrid C.J. Balemans ◽  
Jules G. Becher ◽  
Annet J. Dallmeijer
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cycle Ergometer Test ◽  
Ergometer Test ◽  
Maximal Cycle ◽  
Gmfcs Level

BackgroundRehabilitation research in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is increasingly addressing cardiorespiratory fitness testing. However, evidence on the reliability of peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) measurements, considered the best indicator of aerobic fitness, is not available in this population.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish the reliability of a progressive maximal cycle ergometer test when assessing V̇o2peak in children with mild to moderate CP.DesignRepeated measures were used to assess test-retest reliability.MethodsEligible participants were ambulant, 6 to 14 years of age, and classified as level I, II, or III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Two progressive maximal cycle ergometer tests were conducted (separated by 3 weeks), with the workload increasing every minute in steps of 3 to 11 W, dependent on height and GMFCS level. Reliability was determined by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]) and smallest detectable change (SDC).ResultsTwenty-one children participated (GMFCS I: n=4; GMFCS II: n=12; and GMFCS III: n=5). Sixteen of them (9 boys, 7 girls; GMFCS I: n=3; GMFCS II: n=11; and GMFCS III: n=2) performed 2 successful tests, separated by 9.5 days on average. Reliability for V̇o2peak was excellent (ICC=.94, 95% confidence interval=.83–.98). The SDC was 5.72 mL/kg/min, reflecting 14.6% of the mean.LimitationsThe small sample size did not allow separate analysis of reliability per GMFCS level.ConclusionsIn children with CP of GMFCS levels I and II, a progressive maximal cycle ergometer test to assess V̇o2peak is reliable and has the potential to detect change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time. Further study is needed to establish the reliability of V̇o2peak in children of GMFCS level III.

A pilot program for physical exercise promotion in adults with type 1 diabetes: the PEP-1 program

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie Brazeau ◽  
Véronique Gingras ◽  
Catherine Leroux ◽  
Corinne Suppère ◽  
Hortensia Mircescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pilot Program ◽  
Exercise Promotion

Physical inactivity is highly common in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as specific barriers (i.e., hypoglycemia) may prevent them from being active. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of the Physical Exercise Promotion program in type 1 diabetes (PEP-1) program, a group program of physical activity (PA) promotion (intervention) compared with an information leaflet (control), to improve total energy expenditure (TEE) in adults with T1D after 12 weeks. TEE was measured with a motion sensor over a 7-day period at inclusion, after the program (12 weeks) and 1-year after inclusion. The 12 weekly sessions of the program included a 30-min information session (glycemic control and PA) and 60 min of PA. A total of 48 adults, aged 18 to 65 years with a reported PA practice <150 min per week, were recruited (45.8% men; aged 44.6 ± 13.3 years; 8.0% ± 1.1% glycated hemoglobin (A1c)) and randomized in this pilot trial. Ninety percent of participants completed the program and 88% completed the 1-year follow-up. No change was observed for TEE and A1c in both groups. After the 12-week program, the mean peak oxygen uptake increased (14%; p = 0.003) in the intervention group; however, at the 1-year follow-up, it was no longer different from baseline. In the control group, no difference was observed for the peak oxygen uptake. These results suggest that the PEP-1 pilot program could increase cardiorespiratory fitness. However, this benefit is not sustained over a long-term period. The PEP-1 program did not increase TEE in patients with T1D and other strategies remain necessary to counteract physical inactivity in this population.

scholarly journals Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and hemodynamics among Japanese individuals of various ages and of both sexes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254733
Author(s):  
Yousuke Sugita ◽  
Katsuhiko Ito ◽  
Shigeki Sakurai ◽  
Satoshi Sakai ◽  
Shinya Kuno
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Bioactive Substances ◽  
Tissue Volume ◽  
Adipose Tissue Volume

Epicardial adipose tissue may affect hemodynamics and cardiorespiratory fitness as it is a metabolically active visceral adipose tissue and a source of inflammatory bioactive substances that can substantially modulate cardiovascular morphology and function. However, the associations between epicardial adipose tissue and hemodynamics and cardiorespiratory fitness remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between epicardial adipose tissue volume and hemodynamics, and cardiorespiratory fitness among Japanese individuals of various ages and of both sexes. Epicardial adipose tissue volume was measured in 120 participants (age, 21–85 years) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. To evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, peak oxygen uptake was measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Peak cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference were calculated by impedance cardiography. The epicardial adipose tissue volume was significantly increased in middle-aged and older women. The epicardial adipose tissue volume was significantly and negatively correlated to peak cardiac output and peak oxygen uptake, regardless of age and sex; furthermore, epicardial adipose tissue showed a strong negative correlation with peak heart rate. Epicardial adipose tissue and peak cardiac output were significantly associated (β = -0.359, 95% confidence interval, -0.119 to -0.049, p < 0.001), even after multivariate adjustment (R2 = 0.778). However, in the multiple regression analysis with peak oxygen uptake as a dependent variable, the epicardial adipose tissue volume was not an independent predictor. These data suggest that increased epicardial adipose tissue volume may be correlated with decreased peak oxygen uptake, which might have mediated the abnormal hemodynamics among Japanese people of various ages and of both sexes. Interventions targeting epicardial adipose tissue could potentially improve hemodynamics and cardiorespiratory fitness.

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