THE CHANGES IN AEROBIC WORK CAPACITY OF THE STUDY PROGRAM "HEALTH CARE SPECIALIST" DURING THE ELEVEN YEARS PERIOD

Aerobic work capacity is one of the main indicators of physical fitness and health. Aerobic work capacity depends on many factors, both physical activity level and age and gender and other factors. Aerobic work capacity falls down under the influence of sedentary lifestyle, but it can also decrease as a result of over-intensity loads. Applicants for the study program are young people who have recently graduated from the high school and people of different ages with different sporting experiences. The purpose of the research: to explore applicants aerobic work capacity of Rīga Stradiņš University study program "Health Care Specialist” and their relation to various factors and changes in the dynamics of 11 years. A total of 731 participants (268 males and 473 women) conducted the World Health Organization Bicycle ergometer test. The average level of aerobic work capacity for health care specialist applicants will increase from 2007 to 2013, but declines relatively fast between 2014 and 2017. Over the last 6 years, aerobic work capacity has fallen sharply for men as women. Body mass index does not change significantly over 11 years. The correlation between body mass index and aerobic capacity is weak. Over the last 3 years aerobic work capacity downturn trend has been particularly pronounced for women aged 20- 29.

The Impact of Making Weight on Physiological and Cognitive Processes in Elite Jockeys

Purpose:To examine the impact of making weight on aerobic work capacity and cognitive processes in a group of professional jockeys.Methods:Nine male jockeys and 9 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls were recruited to take part in two experimental trials, conducted 48 hr apart. The jockeys were asked to reduce their body mass by 4% in the 48 hr between trials, and controls maintained usual dietary and physical activity habits between trials. Aerobic work capacity was assessed by performance during an incremental cycle ergometer test. Motor response, decision making, executive function, and working memory were assessed using a computerized cognitive test battery.Results:The jockey group significantly reduced their body mass by 3.6 ± 0.9% (p < .01). Mean urine specific gravity (Usg) readings increased from 1.019 ± 0.004–1.028 ± 0.005 (p < .01) following this reduction in body mass. Peak work capacity was significantly reduced between trials in the jockey group (213 ± 27 vs. 186 ± 23 W, p < .01), although VO2peak (46.4 ± 3.7 vs. 47.2 ± 6.3 ml·kg·min-1) remained unchanged. No changes were identified for any cognitive variable in the jockey group between trials.Conclusion:Simulation of race day preparation, by allocating a weight that is 4% below baseline body mass caused all jockeys to report for repeat testing in a dehydrated state, and a reduction in aerobic work capacity, both of which may impact on racing performance.

Factors limiting maximal oxygen uptake in exertional monoparesis

Strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) for each leg were compared in a trained multiple sclerosis (MS) patient with exertional left monoparesis. Left quadriceps strength and left leg VO2max were 22% and 30% lower, respectively, compared to the right (control) leg. Because the same O2 delivery system served each leg during exercise, VO2max of the paretic leg was not limited by cardiorespiratory factors but rather by strength and/or muscle oxidative capacity. However, training with monoparesis likely enhanced O2 extraction and aerobic work capacity of the right leg.