Evaluating Variables as Unbiased Proxies for Other Measures: Assessing the Step Test Exercise Prescription as a Proxy for the Maximal, High-Intensity Peak Oxygen Consumption in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of a submaximal exercise test, the Step Test Exercise Prescription (STEP), in a broad age range and in individuals in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Individuals (n = 102) underwent treadmill-based maximal exercise testing and a STEP. The STEP failed to predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and was a biased estimate of VO2peak (p < .0001). Only 43% of subjects’ STEP results were within 3.5 ml · kg–1 · min–1 of VO2peak. When categorized into fitness levels these 2 measures demonstrated moderate agreement (kappa = .59). The validity of the STEP was not supported in our participants, including those with AD. The STEP may not be appropriate in the clinic as a basis for exercise recommendations in these groups, although it may continue to have utility in classifying fitness in research or community health screenings.

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High-intensity interval exercise induces greater acute changes in sleep, appetite-related hormones, and free-living energy intake than does moderate-intensity continuous exercise

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2018-0503 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 557-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Penelope Larsen ◽

Frank Marino ◽

Kerri Melehan ◽

Kym J. Guelfi ◽

Rob Duffield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Energy Intake ◽

High Intensity ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Sleep Stages ◽

Acylated Ghrelin ◽

Interval Exercise ◽

Continuous Exercise ◽

High Intensity Interval

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on sleep characteristics, appetite-related hormones, and eating behaviour. Eleven overweight, inactive men completed 2 consecutive nights of sleep assessments to determine baseline (BASE) sleep stages and arousals recorded by polysomnography (PSG). On separate afternoons (1400–1600 h), participants completed a 30-min exercise bout: either (i) MICE (60% peak oxygen consumption) or (ii) HIIE (60 s of work at 100% peak oxygen consumption: 240 s of rest at 50% peak oxygen consumption), in a randomised order. Measures included appetite-related hormones (acylated ghrelin, leptin, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine) and glucose before exercise, 30 min after exercise, and the next morning after exercise; PSG sleep stages; and actigraphy (sleep quantity and quality); in addition, self-reported sleep and food diaries were recorded until 48 h after exercise. There were no between-trial differences for time in bed (p = 0.19) or total sleep time (p = 0.99). After HIIE, stage N3 sleep was greater (21% ± 7%) compared with BASE (18% ± 7%; p = 0.02). In addition, the number of arousals during rapid eye movement sleep were lower after HIIE (7 ± 5) compared with BASE (11 ± 7; p = 0.05). Wake after sleep onset was lower following MICE (41 min) compared with BASE (56 min; p = 0.02). Acylated ghrelin was lower and glucose was higher at 30 min after HIIE when compared with MICE (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences between conditions in terms of total energy intake (p ≥ 0.05). HIIE appears to be more beneficial than MICE for improving sleep quality and inducing favourable transient changes in appetite-related hormones in overweight, inactive men. However, energy intake was not altered regardless of exercise intensity.

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High-intensity interval training in people with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized, controlled feasibility trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215518815221 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 428-438 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Marguerite Harvey ◽

Kathryn L Weston ◽

William K Gray ◽

Ailish O’Callaghan ◽

Lloyd L Oates ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Oxygen Consumption ◽

High Intensity ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Maximal Heart Rate ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

High Intensity Interval

Objectives: To investigate whether people with Parkinson’s disease can exercise at a high-intensity across a 12-week intervention and to assess the impact of the intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness. Design: This is a randomized, controlled, feasibility study with waiting list control. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Setting: The intervention took place at an exercise centre and assessments at a district general hospital. Subjects: This study included 20 people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Intervention: A total of 36 exercise sessions over 12 weeks, with each session lasting ~45 minutes, were conducted. Main measures: The main measures were maximal heart rates achieved during exercise, recruitment rate, attendance, drop-out, change in peak oxygen consumption, cardiac output, cognitive function and quality of life. The study was considered technically feasible if participants achieved ⩾85% of maximal heart rate during exercise. Results: There were 12 male and 8 female participants; they had a mean age of 68.5 years (standard deviation 6.825). Two participants were of Hoehn and Yahr stage I, 11 stage II and 7 stage III. In all, 17 participants completed the intervention. The median (interquartile range) proportion of repetitions delivered across the intervention which met our high-intensity criterion was 80% (67% to 84%). Mean peak heart rate was 88.8% of maximal. Peak oxygen consumption increased by 2.8 mL kg−1 min−1 in the intervention group and 1.5 mL kg−1 min−1 in the control group after 12 weeks of exercise. We estimate that a fully powered randomized controlled trial would require 30 participants per group. Conclusion: High-intensity interval exercise is feasible in people with Parkinson’s disease. Improvements in cardiorespiratory function are promising.

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The acute physiological and perceptual effects of recovery interval intensity during cycling-based high-intensity interval training

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-020-04535-x ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher R. J. Fennell ◽

James G. Hopker

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Consumption ◽

High Intensity ◽

Lactate Threshold ◽

Interval Training ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Active Recovery ◽

Recovery Interval ◽

High Intensity Interval

Abstract Purpose The current study sought to investigate the role of recovery intensity on the physiological and perceptual responses during cycling-based aerobic high-intensity interval training. Methods Fourteen well-trained cyclists ($$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{2peak}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak : 62 ± 9 mL kg−1 min−1) completed seven laboratory visits. At visit 1, the participants’ peak oxygen consumption ($$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{2peak}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak ) and lactate thresholds were determined. At visits 2–7, participants completed either a 6 × 4 min or 3 × 8 min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol with one of three recovery intensity prescriptions: passive (PA) recovery, active recovery at 80% of lactate threshold (80A) or active recovery at 110% of lactate threshold (110A). Results The time spent at > 80%, > 90% and > 95% of maximal minute power during the work intervals was significantly increased with PA recovery, when compared to both 80A and 110A, during both HIIT protocols (all P ≤ 0.001). However, recovery intensity had no effect on the time spent at > 90% $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{2peak}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak (P = 0.11) or > 95% $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{{\text{2peak}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2peak (P = 0.50) during the work intervals of both HIIT protocols. Session RPE was significantly higher following the 110A recovery, when compared to the PA and 80A recovery during both HIIT protocols (P < 0.001). Conclusion Passive recovery facilitates a higher work interval PO and similar internal stress for a lower sRPE when compared to active recovery and therefore may be the efficacious recovery intensity prescription.

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Clinical Markers of the Intensity of Balance Challenge: Observational Study of Older Adult Responses to Balance Tasks

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20140524 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (3) ◽

pp. 313-323 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Melanie K. Farlie ◽

Elizabeth Molloy ◽

Jennifer L. Keating ◽

Terry P. Haines

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Observational Study ◽

High Intensity ◽

Task Difficulty ◽

Exercise Prescription ◽

Interpretive Description ◽

Clinical Markers ◽

Postural Reactions ◽

Balance Exercise ◽

Balance Rehabilitation

BackgroundEffective balance rehabilitation is critically important to the aging population. Optimal exercise prescription for balance rehabilitation has not been described, as there is no measure of balance exercise intensity. To rate the intensity of balance exercise, an item set is required.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore verbal and nonverbal markers that differentiated tasks of high, medium, and low balance intensity to inform the development of an instrument to measure the intensity of balance challenge.DesignThis was an observational study utilizing an interpretive description approach.MethodsTwenty older adults were observed performing 3 balance tasks that challenged balance at low to high intensity. Verbal and nonverbal responses were recorded. After each task, participants were asked to describe the test experience. Data were analyzed to identify potential markers of balance challenge intensity.ResultsMarkers of the intensity of balance challenge were grouped by time periods defined as pretask, in-task, and posttask. A key pretask finding was an increased delay to task commencement with increased task difficulty. Commencement delay was accompanied by talk in 19 of 21 instances. Physical markers of the intensity of balance challenge were grouped into 3 categories—bracing, postural reactions, and sway—and were increasingly observed as intensity of balance challenge increased. Participants described tasks as pushing them toward the limits of their balancing capacity as the intensity of balance challenge increased.ConclusionsVerbal and nonverbal markers of the intensity of balance challenge in older adults performing balance tasks that differentiated high-intensity tasks from medium- to low-intensity tasks were identified. The pretask phase of balance exercise performance is an important diagnostic space, rich in verbal and nonverbal markers.

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Determinants Of Peak Oxygen Consumption In Older Adults: Function Or Fatigue?

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000402679.36085.9d ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

Nancy W. Glynn ◽

Adam J. Santanasto ◽

Mark A. Newman ◽

Dawn C. Mackey ◽

Eleanor M. Simonsick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption

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Abstract 18258: High-intensity Interval Training Improves Aerobic Capacity and Metabolic Risk Factors in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.18258 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Chueh-Lung Hwang ◽

Jeung-Ki Yoo ◽

Han-Kyul Kim ◽

Moon-Hyon Hwang ◽

Eileen M Handberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

Metabolic Risk Factors ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Control Group ◽

Metabolic Risk ◽

Maximal Heart Rate

Introduction: Aging is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk including reduced aerobic capacity and increased metabolic risk factors. Aerobic exercise training improves the risk for cardiovascular disease. The optimal exercise regimen for older adults, however, remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) would be more effective than isocaloric moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in improving aerobic capacity and metabolic risks factors in older adults. Methods: Thirty eight sedentary older adults (age 65±1.0 yrs; mean±SE), free of cardiovascular disease, were randomly assigned to HIIT (n=13), MICT (n=13) or non-exercise control group (n=12). HIIT consisted of cycling at alternating intensities of 90 and 70% maximal heart rate for 40 minutes while MICT consisted of cycling at 70% maximal heart rate for 47 minutes. HIIT and MICT were performed on Airdyne bicycles, 4 days/week for 8 weeks, under supervision. Aerobic capacity was assessed by peak oxygen consumption during an incremental treadmill test. Metabolic risk factors included fasting lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment; HOMA-IR). Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. All measures were obtained at baseline and following the intervention. Results: Peak oxygen consumption increased by 2.8 ml/kg/min (23.0±1.6 vs. 25.7±1.5, pre- vs. post-intervention; P <0.05) in HIIT, but did not change in MICT and control group (26.0±1.5 vs. 26.2±1.4 and 23.5±1.4 vs. 24.0±1.4, respectively; P >0.05). Insulin and HOMA-IR improved only in HIIT (-1.9±0.6μU/ml and -0.42±0.16, P <0.05; respectively) and these changes were negatively associated with the change in peak oxygen consumption (r=-0.37, P <0.05 for both). Overall, lipids, body weight, body fat, and fat-free mass did not change in response to the intervention in any of the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: HIIT but not MICT improves aerobic capacity and glucose control in healthy older adults without affecting lipids or body composition.

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Use of the Six-Minute Walk/Run Test to Predict Peak Oxygen Consumption in Older Adults

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal ◽

10.1097/01823246-199809030-00002 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 3-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Anne K. Swisher ◽

Allan H. Goldfarb

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Run Test ◽

Minute Walk

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Influence of limb length on a stepping exercise

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.1978.44.3.346 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 346-349 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

H. Shahnawaz

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Work Load ◽

Limb Length ◽

Step Test ◽

Standard Work ◽

Bench Height ◽

Consumption Values ◽

Test Exercise ◽

Stepping Exercise

The effect of limb length on responses to the step-test exercise was studied in 10 subjects of various heights; oxygen consumption values served as an indicator. Mean oxygen consumption was found to be significantly related to limb length in the step-test exercise. This was demonstrated when subjects with different limb lengths were tested as a standard work load (i.e., 10 m/min x body wt) but at seven different bench heights and correspondingly adjusted stepping rates. The minimum values for oxygen consumption were obtained when the bench height was near 50% (45–55%) of subject's limb length.

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