Concurrent Validity of a Stationary Cycling Test and Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test in Adults with Concussion

Context: Following concussion, a multi-faceted assessment is recommended, including tests of physical exertion. The current gold standard for exercise testing following concussion is the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT); however, there is a lack of validated tests that utilize alternative exercise modalities. Objective: To assess the feasibility and concurrent validity of a novel cycling test of exertion compared to the BCTT. Design: Crossover Study Setting: University Sport-Medicine Clinic Patients: Twenty adults (aged 18–60 years) diagnosed with a Sport-Related Concussion Intervention: Participants completed the BCTT and a cycling test of exertion in a random order, approximately 48 hours apart. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome of interest was maximum heart rate [HRmax; beats per minute (bpm)]. Secondary outcomes of interest included whether the participant reached volitional fatigue (yes/no), symptom responsible for test cessation (Post Concussion Symptom Scale), and Symptom Severity on a Visual Scale (/10). Results: Of the 20 participants, 19 (10 male, 9 female) completed both tests. One participant did not return for the second test and was excluded from the analysis. No adverse events were reported. The median HRmax for the BCTT [171 bpm; (IQR: 139–184bpm)] was not significantly different than the median HRmax for the Cycle [173 bpm; (IQR: 160–182)] (z=–0.63, p=0.53). For both tests, the three most frequently reported symptoms responsible for test cessation were Headache, Dizziness, and Pressure in the head. Of interest, the majority of participants (64%) reported a different symptom responsible for test cessation on each test. Conclusion: The novel cycling test of exertion achieved similar HRmax and test duration and may be a suitable alternative to the BCTT. Future research to understand the physiological reason for the heterogeneity in symptoms responsible for test cessation is warranted.

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Gender Role Conflict Scale for Adolescents

Boyhood Studies ◽

10.3149/thy.0102.191 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 191-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chris Blazina ◽

Maribel A. Cordova ◽

Stewart Pisecco ◽

Anna G. Settle

Keyword(s):

Gender Role ◽

Role Conflict ◽

Gender Role Conflict ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Future Research ◽

Clinical Use ◽

Male Role ◽

Masculinity Ideology ◽

Conflict Scale

This study investigated the Gender Role Conflict Scale-Adolescent Version (GRCS-A) and its relationship with the Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS), the measure from which it was adapted. Significant correlations between the adult and adolescent versions provided support for the concurrent validity of the GRCS-A. Further analyses revealed that two other measures of male masculinity, the Adolescent Masculinity Ideology in Relationships Scale (AMIRS) and Male Role Attitudes Scale (MRAS), are also significantly related to the GRCS-A. Implications for future research and clinical use are discussed.

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Specific inspiratory muscle warm-up enhances badminton footwork performance

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h07-077 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 32 (6) ◽

pp. 1082-1088 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Hua Lin ◽

Tom Kwokkeung Tong ◽

Chuanye Huang ◽

Jinlei Nie ◽

Kui Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Random Order ◽

Inspiratory Muscle ◽

Inspiratory Pressure ◽

Test Duration ◽

Warm Up ◽

Pressure Threshold ◽

Mouth Pressure ◽

Concomitant Reduction ◽

Experimental Trials ◽

Relationship Of

The effects of inspiratory muscle (IM) warm-up on IM function and on the maximum distance covered in a subsequent incremental badminton-footwork test (FWmax) were examined. Ten male badminton players were recruited to perform identical tests in three different trials in a random order. The control trial did not involve an IM warm-up, whereas the placebo and experimental trials did involve an IM warm-up consisting of two sets of 30-breath manoeuvres with an inspiratory pressure-threshold load equivalent to 15% (PLA) and 40% (IMW) maximum inspiratory mouth pressure, respectively. In the IMW trial, IM function was improved with 7.8% ± 4.0% and 6.9% ± 3.5% increases from control found in maximal inspiratory pressure at zero flow (P0) and maximal rate of P0 development (MRPD), respectively (p < 0.05). FWmax was enhanced 6.8% ± 3.7%, whereas the slope of the linear relationship of the increase in the rating of perceived breathlessness for every minute (RPB/min) was reduced (p < 0.05). Reduction in blood lactate ([La–]b) accumulation was observed when the test duration was identical to that of the control trial (P < 0.05). In the PLA trial, no parameter was changed from control. For the changes (Δ) in parameters in IMW (n = 10), negative correlations were found between ΔP0 and ΔRPB/min (r2 = 0.58), ΔMRPD and ΔRPB/min (r2 = 0.48), ΔRPB/min, and ΔFWmax (r2 = 0.55), but not between Δ[La–]b accumulation and ΔFWmax. Such findings suggest that the IM-specific warm-up improved footwork performance in the subsequent maximum incremental badminton-footwork test. The improved footwork was partly attributable to the reduced breathless sensation resulting from the enhanced IM function, whereas the contribution of the concomitant reduction in [La–]b accumulation was relatively minor.

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A-31 Association Between Cognitive Activity and Recovery Outcomes in College Students Following Concussion

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa036.31 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 627-627

Author(s):

K M Petit ◽

A J Zynda ◽

M Anderson ◽

C P Tomczyk ◽

T Covassin

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Symptom Severity ◽

Recovery Time ◽

Cognitive Activity ◽

Symptom Reporting ◽

Future Research ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Post Injury ◽

Medical Clearance ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationship between self-reported cognitive activity and recovery outcomes (symptom reporting, recovery time) in college students following concussion. Method Cognitive activity was defined as self-reported minutes spent in class and studying during the first 5 days following concussion. Self-reported symptoms were reported at day 5 post-injury using the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS). The PCSS evaluates 22 symptoms on a 7-point Likert Scale from 0 (none) to 6 (severe). Recovery time was defined as total days from injury to unrestricted medical clearance. Separate Spearman’s rank correlations assessed the relationship between total cognitive activity (minutes in class and studying) and recovery outcomes (symptom total (22), symptom severity (132), and recovery time). Alpha level set a priori at 0.05. Results Twenty-one participants (14 female, 7 male, 19.5 ± 1.3 years) averaged a total of 653[IQR = 348] minutes of cognitive activity during the first 5 days after concussion (334[IQR = 149] minutes in class, 273[IQR = 313] minutes studying). Five days after injury, participants self-reported 3[IQR = 8] total symptoms yielding a severity of 4[IQR = 12]. Participants took 15 [IQR = 8] days to reach unrestricted medical clearance. No associations were found between total cognitive load and any post-concussion recovery outcomes (symptom total: Rs = −.299, p = .19; symptom severity: Rs = −.230, p = .32; recovery time: Rs = −.041, p = .86). Conclusions Preliminary analyses suggest that concussed college students can be encouraged to gradually return to normal levels of cognitive activity, as it may not be associated with future symptom reporting or recovery time. Future research is needed to assess specific cognitive activities immediately influence on post-concussion symptom reporting.

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Gait Asymmetry Post-Stroke: Determining Valid and Reliable Methods Using a Single Accelerometer Located on the Trunk

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20010037 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 37 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Christopher Buckley ◽

M. Encarna Micó-Amigo ◽

Michael Dunne-Willows ◽

Alan Godfrey ◽

Aodhán Hickey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Concurrent Validity ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Future Research ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Gait Asymmetry ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Cardinal Symptom

Asymmetry is a cardinal symptom of gait post-stroke that is targeted during rehabilitation. Technological developments have allowed accelerometers to be a feasible tool to provide digital gait variables. Many acceleration-derived variables are proposed to measure gait asymmetry. Despite a need for accurate calculation, no consensus exists for what is the most valid and reliable variable. Using an instrumented walkway (GaitRite) as the reference standard, this study compared the validity and reliability of multiple acceleration-derived asymmetry variables. Twenty-five post-stroke participants performed repeated walks over GaitRite whilst wearing a tri-axial accelerometer (Axivity AX3) on their lower back, on two occasions, one week apart. Harmonic ratio, autocorrelation, gait symmetry index, phase plots, acceleration, and jerk root mean square were calculated from the acceleration signals. Test–retest reliability was calculated, and concurrent validity was estimated by comparison with GaitRite. The strongest concurrent validity was obtained from step regularity from the vertical signal, which also recorded excellent test–retest reliability (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (rho) = 0.87 and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC21) = 0.98, respectively). Future research should test the responsiveness of this and other step asymmetry variables to quantify change during recovery and the effect of rehabilitative interventions for consideration as digital biomarkers to quantify gait asymmetry.

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LBNP exercise protects aerobic capacity and sprint speed of female twins during 30 days of bed rest

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.91502.2008 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 106 (3) ◽

pp. 919-928 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Stuart M. C. Lee ◽

Suzanne M. Schneider ◽

Wanda L. Boda ◽

Donald E. Watenpaugh ◽

Brandon R. Macias ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treadmill Exercise ◽

Lower Body Negative Pressure ◽

Bed Rest ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Control Group ◽

Treadmill Test ◽

Sprint Speed ◽

Long Duration ◽

Volitional Fatigue

We have shown previously that treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure (LBNPex) maintains upright exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption, V̇o2peak) in men after 5, 15, and 30 days of bed rest (BR). We hypothesized that LBNPex protects treadmill V̇o2peak and sprint speed in women during a 30-day BR. Seven sets of female monozygous twins volunteered to participate. Within each twin set, one was randomly assigned to a control group (Con) and performed no countermeasures, and the other was assigned to an exercise group (Ex) and performed a 40-min interval (40–80% pre-BR V̇o2peak) LBNPex (51 ± 5 mmHg) protocol, plus 5 min of static LBNP, 6 days per week. Before and immediately after BR, subjects completed a 30.5-m sprint test and an upright graded treadmill test to volitional fatigue. These results in women were compared with previously reported reductions in V̇o2peak and sprint speed in male twins after BR. In women, sprint speed (−8 ± 2%) and V̇o2peak (−6 ± 2%) were not different after BR in the Ex group. In contrast, both sprint speed (−24 ± 5%) and V̇o2peak (−16 ± 3%) were significantly less after BR in the Con group. The effect of BR on sprint speed and V̇o2peak after BR was not different between women and men. We conclude that treadmill exercise within LBNP protects against BR-induced reductions in V̇o2peak and sprint speed in women and should prove effective during long-duration spaceflight.

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Discrimination and Attention in Dogs

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1977.41.3.943 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 943-949

Author(s):

R. R. Haney ◽

William F. Crowder

Keyword(s):

Auditory Stimulus ◽

Compound Stimulus ◽

Random Order ◽

Future Research ◽

Discriminative Control ◽

Stimulus Component ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Visual Component ◽

Probe Test ◽

Water Presentation

Two dogs were trained to perform a left-right discrimination task in which depressing a treadle presented a compound visual and auditory stimulus in random order appropriate to one or the other of two distant reinforcement stations. Depression of the appropriate discrimination treadle was reinforced by water presentation. A modified correction procedure was used in training. Following acquisition, probe test trials consisting of the visual stimulus component alone, the auditory stimulus component alone, and reversed or cues-opposed compound stimulus were presented. Test trials demonstrated the visual component of the compound stimulus to have acquired discriminative control, but the cues-opposed test trials also demonstrated a low but extant degree of discriminative control exerted by the auditory stimulus component. As the compound stimulus employed here consisted of visual components differing only in location and auditory components differing only in pitch, implications for future research manipulating further these qualitative and quantitative variables were discussed.

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Assessing Health Concerns

Imagination Cognition and Personality ◽

10.2190/n4ej-x0lk-pudv-q6w2 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 115-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Martha S. Stretton ◽

Peter Salovey ◽

John D. Mayer

Keyword(s):

Concurrent Validity ◽

Individual Variability ◽

Latent Structure ◽

Future Research ◽

Health Concerns ◽

College Sample ◽

Individual Difference Variables ◽

Two Samples ◽

And Behavior ◽

Medical Outpatients

Individual variability in concern about health plays a role in health-relevant cognition and behavior. Our research examined the latent structure of health concerns in two samples, one a young and healthy college sample and the other an older sample of medical outpatients. In both samples, health concerns reflected two underlying components: (a) fear and worry about health and (b) tendency to report problems. Correlations between these components and several individual difference variables theoretically linked to the experience of health concerns provided evidence of concurrent validity. The implications of the separability of reporting a health problem and worrying about its meaning are discussed, and recommendations for future research are offered.

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Oxygen cost of the CF–DND fire fit test in males and females

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h07-020 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 454-462 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Randy W. Dreger ◽

Stewart R. Petersen

Keyword(s):

Random Order ◽

Test Duration ◽

Oxygen Cost ◽

Canadian Forces ◽

Work Related ◽

Test Circuit ◽

Wide Range ◽

Males And Females ◽

Department Of National Defence ◽

Performance Times

The Department of National Defence employs a work-related test circuit comprising 10 various firefighting tasks (FF test) to assess the fitness of incumbent Canadian Forces firefighters. The main purpose of this study was to document the oxygen cost of the FF test over a wide range of performance times. These data were then used to predict the oxygen cost associated with the 8 min completion standard. Finally, we examined the influence of gender on selected physiological responses during the FF test. Thirty male and 23 female subjects practiced the test 3–5 times and then completed, in random order and on separate days, a maximal-effort trial while breathing with either a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a portable metabolic measurement system (MMC). The breath-by-breath gas exchange data from the MMC were collapsed into a single value that represented the average oxygen cost for each participant to complete the work simulation. To calculate the average VO2 associated with the 8 min completion time, separate regression lines for test duration and average VO2 were generated for males and females. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the regression lines for the male and female groups coincided, therefore all data were collapsed. The resulting regression equation predicted that the average VO2 associated with the 8 min standard was 34.1 (± 4.0) mL·kg–1·min–1, and this value appears consistent with other research on the oxygen cost of firefighting. There was no evidence to suggest that the oxygen cost of meeting the 8 min standard was different for males or females.

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Dietary Neurotransmitters: The Relative Oral Bioavailability of GABA and Glutamic Acid From Tomato in Healthy Human Volunteers

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab037_021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 311-311

Author(s):

Tessa de Bie ◽

Michiel Balvers ◽

Maarten Jongsma ◽

Renger Witkamp

Keyword(s):

Glutamic Acid ◽

Health Effects ◽

Maximum Concentration ◽

Random Order ◽

Food Products ◽

Tomato Juice ◽

Future Research ◽

Food Matrix ◽

Healthy Human ◽

Baseline Levels

Abstract Objectives The neurotransmitters γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid are present in many common components of our diet like for example tomato. Recent research suggests that oral supplementation of especially GABA can have relevant health effects with regard to diabetes and blood pressure. As of yet it is unclear whether these neurotransmitters are also bioavailable from a food matrix. In this controlled cross-over human intervention study, we aimed to evaluate the relative bioavailability of GABA and glutamic acid from tomato. Methods Eleven healthy men received one liter of water containing 888 mg/L GABA or 3673 mg/L glutamic acid, a liter blended tomato juice or a liter water. Solutions were given one week apart in a random order in a four way crossover design. On every test day 19 blood samples were collected in a period of 24 hours after ingestion of the test product. Plasma GABA and glutamic acid concentrations were determined with ultra-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Results Baseline plasma GABA and glutamic acid concentrations were found to be 16.71 (SD 2.18) ng/mL and 4625.6 (SD 1666.1) ng/mL respectively. GABA baseline levels were constant (5.8 CV%) within individuals over the four consecutive test days while glutamic acid baseline levels varied considerably (23.5 CV%). Interestingly, GABA was determined to be just as bioavailable from tomato juice as from a solution in water; kinetic parameters (AUC, Cmax, Tmax) were not significantly different. For glutamic acid, the tomato food matrix did significantly alter the plasma kinetics, the maximum concentration was lower and the time to the maximum concentration was longer in the tomato condition as compared to glutamic acid dissolved in water. Conclusions These data suggest that GABA is bioavailable from food, and that food products containing GABA could potentially induce health effects similar to what is described for GABA supplements. Future research should focus on determining the bioavailability of GABA from other food products as well as the health effects of a GABA rich diet in humans. Funding Sources This work was supported by a consortium of companies (Agrico Research, Nunhems Netherlands, AVEBE) taking part in a collaborative public-partnership under the “Topsector Agri-Food” programme organised by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

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QALY-Time: Experts’ view on the use of the quality-adjusted life year in cost-effectiveness analysis in palliative care

10.21203/rs.2.13292/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Anne B. Wichmann ◽

Lia C.M.J. Goltstein ◽

Ndidi J. Obihara ◽

Madeleine R. Berendsen ◽

Mark van Houdenhoven ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Quality Adjusted Life Year ◽

Capabilities Approach ◽

Nominal Group ◽

Future Research ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Quality Adjusted Life

Abstract Background. The Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) is internationally recognized as standard metric of health outcomes in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) in healthcare. The ongoing debate concerning the appropriateness of its use for decision-making in palliative care has been recently mapped in a review. Aim. To report on and draw conclusions from two expert meetings that reflected on earlier mapped issues in order to reach consensus, and to advise on the QALY’s future use in palliative care. Methods. A nominal group approach was used. In order to facilitate group decision making, three statements regarding the use of the QALY in palliative care were discussed in a structured way. Two groups of international policymakers, healthcare professionals and researchers participated. Data were analysed qualitatively using inductive coding. Findings. 1) Most experts agreed that the recommended measurement tool for the QALYs ‘Q’ component, the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), is inappropriate for palliative care. A more sensitive tool, which might be based on the capabilities approach, could be used or developed. 2) Valuation of time should be incorporated in the ‘Q’ part, leaving the linear clock time in the ‘LY’ component. 3) Most experts agreed that the QALY, in its current shape, is not suitable for palliative care. Discussion. 1) Although the EQ-5D does not suffice, a generic tool is needed for the QALY. As long as no suitable alternative is available, other tools can be used besides or serve as basis for the EQ-5D because of issues in conceptual overlap. 2) Future research should further investigate the valuation of time issue, and how best to integrate it in the ‘Q’ component. 3) A generic outcome measure of effectiveness is essential to justly allocate healthcare resources. However, experts emphasized, the QALY is and should be one of multiple criteria for choices in the healthcare insurance package.

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