Life Sciences Commons^™

Using A Walking Test To Assess Firefighter Fitness, Stephanie Donahue, Bilal Chaudhry, Carly Mcmorrow, Morgan Daly, Summer B. Cook, Michael Brian, Deborah L. Feairheller

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 285-297, 2024. Tactical populations face increased risk on the job, and it is known that firefighters have high levels of cardiac-related death. Aerobic fitness is a modifiable cardiac risk factor, but many fire stations lack the proper equipment to easily assess aerobic fitness levels of their firefighters. Additionally, many fire stations lack wellness programs to hold firefighters accountable for maintaining their fitness levels. Purpose: We assessed the validity of the submaximal 6-minute walk test (6MWT) as a measure of aerobic capacity compared to a maximal treadmill test and the submaximal Gerkin protocol. Methods: Twenty-four …

Blood Flow Restriction As A Potential Therapy To Restore Physical Function Following Covid-19 Infection, Isaac J. Wedig, John J. Durocher, John Mcdaniel, Steve Elmer

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Accumulating evidence indicates that some COVID-19 survivors display reduced muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, which contribute to impairments in physical function that can persist for months after the acute phase of illness. Accordingly, strategies to restore muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity following infection are critical to mitigate the long-term consequences of COVID-19. Blood flow restriction (BFR), which involves the application of mechanical compression to the limbs, presents a promising therapy that could be utilized throughout different phases of COVID-19 illness. Specifically, we hypothesize that: 1) use of passive BFR modalities can mitigate losses of muscle mass …

Longitudinal Changes Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Performance In High School: Association With Individual And School-Based Variables, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Jinting Shao, Summer Davis

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study aimed to model adolescents’ cardiorespiratory fitness performance change trajectories longitudinally across high school years and its relation to school- and individual/student-level factors. We employed hierarchical linear modeling to examine longitudinal cardiorespiratory fitness performance changes, as measured by the progressive aerobic capacity endurance run (PACER), over the years, between sexes, and in association with the school-level variables. Participants were 76,227 adolescents from 80 high schools in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. School-level academic performance (SAP), the percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARM), and physical education student-faculty ratio were obtained with permission from the …

Utilizing Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Training To Improve Aerobic Capacity In Physically Active And Injured Individuals: A Critically Appraised Topic, Melissa O. Miller, Kacee L. Hill, Jaclyn Arduini, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: To determine if, in physically active individuals, low-intensity Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is more effective than training without BFR at improving measures of aerobic capacity.

Methods: A database search was conducted for articles that matched inclusion criteria (minimum level 2 evidence, physically active participants, comparison of low-intensity BFR to no BFR training, comparison of pre-post testing with aerobic fitness or performance, training protocols >2 weeks, studies published after 2010) by two authors and assessed by one using the PEDro scale (a minimum of 5/10 was required) to ensure level 2 quality studies that were then analyzed.

Results: Four …

Is The Acsm And Friend Metabolic Equations Valid For Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among 18-34 Aged Men? : Preliminary Results, Marc-Olivier Dugas, Laurie Simard, Tommy Chevrette, Martin Lavalliere

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 2: Issue 1, Article 2, 2021. Metabolic equations, such as ACSM and FRIEND, are used worldwide to indirectly measure the VO₂max in adults, but lack of accuracy seems to occur. 30 men of 18-34 years old performed a maximal incremental test on a treadmill during which direct VO₂max measurements was taken and then have been compared to ACSM and FRIEND metabolic equations. Point of application #1: Better evaluation and exercise prescription among athletic populations. Point of application #2: Act in prevention among sedentary and symptomatic populations. Point of application …

Validation Of A Novel Vo2max Protocol, Griffin Green

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Though there are several to choose from, the Bruce protocol is the most commonly utilized treadmill protocol when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Originally developed for cardiac patients, the Bruce protocol may not be an appropriate treadmill protocol for young or trained individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The steep grade used often leads localized muscular fatigue, which may cause participants to end the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. Another popular protocol, the Astrand, also utilizes a steep grade, but the speed remains constant. Similar to the Bruce, the Astrand protocol may not prompt a maximal cardiovascular …

Does Macronutrient Consumption Affect Aerobic Capacity?, Jordan Bush-Means

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Fitness in the United States is declining as the prevalence of obesity rises. It is known generally that exercise and diet both play a part in becoming fit, therefore veering away from being obese and/or overweight. Although people are aware they need to eat healthy foods and participate in physical activity, the role that dietary behaviors have on exercise, particularly aerobic capacity, remains unresolved. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze dietary behaviors and to examine associations with maximal aerobic capacity. We hypothesize that those who consume each food group will have a higher volume …

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Physical Fitness In Volunteer Firefighters, Zachary T. Martin, Rebecca A. Schlaff, Jade K. Hemenway, Jillian R. Coulter, Jeremy L. Knous, John E. Lowry, Joshua J. Ode

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 764-776, 2019. Forty-seven percent of volunteer firefighter line of duty deaths are caused by cardiovascular events. Aggressive cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor reduction and improved physical fitness could reduce CVD mortality within this population. We assessed CVD risk factors and physical fitness in a large cohort of volunteer firefighters to help establish a health and fitness profile of this population, which may serve as evidence for the need to initiate programs aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality caused by CVD in the volunteer fire service. Seventy-four male volunteer firefighters were assessed for eight CVD …

Aerobic Fitness Markers Associated With Post-Paddling Breath Hold Capacity In Competitive Surfers, Cory J. Greever, Kaden K.L. Groseclose, April L. Denny, Danielle C. Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(6): 366-373, 2019. Competitive surfing is a growing sport with evolving performance and safety demands. One particular challenge surfers face is the need to endure long breath-holds following bouts of surf paddling. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between aerobic fitness markers, such as VO_2peak and ventilatory thresholds, and post-paddling breath-hold capacity in competitive surfers. Eleven male collegiate level competitive surfers completed both a maximal graded exercise test and a simulated post-paddling breath-hold challenge on a modified paddling ergometer. Associations between markers of aerobic fitness and post-paddling breath-hold capacity were …

The Effects Of Beetroot Juice On Vo2max And Blood Pressure During Submaximal Exercise, Jose M. Perez, John Dobson, Amy Jo Riggs, Greg Ryan

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 332-342, 2019. Beetroot juice (BR) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) at rest and improve several performance parameters during exercise. However, the effect of BR on BP during submaximal exercise has not been investigated and its effects on VO₂max are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BR on VO₂max and BP during submaximal exercise. 20 healthy, recreationally trained volunteers (age 21.8±2.35 years, weight 75.10±10.62 kg, height 177.4±6.39 cm) participated in this study, which had a double-blind placebo controlled randomized crossover design. Participants …

A Preliminary Analysis Of The Relationship Between The Multistage Fitness Test And 300-M Run In Law Enforcement Officers: Implications For Fitness Assessment, Matthew R. Moreno, Robert G. Lockie, Charles L. Kornhauser, Ryan J. Holmes, J. Jay Dawes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(4): 730-738, 2018. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) often use fitness tests to assess recruits and incumbents. One fitness test that is gaining popularity is the 20-meter multistage fitness test (20m-MSFT). However, the potential length of this assessment, in addition to the repeated direction changes, means this test may not be appropriate for all officers (e.g. older officers, or those with physical impairments). The 300-m run is shorter, features no direction changes, and could provide an indication of fitness. The study purpose was to investigate the relationship between the 20m-MSFT and 300–m run. Retrospective analysis of …

The Effects Of Dietary Intake On Fuel Metabolism During Aerobic Capacity Exercise, Taylor Lynn Stephenson

Theses and Dissertations

In order to produce mechanical energy through muscular activity, the body must oxidize chemical energy, carbohydrate, fat, or protein through metabolic processes, which then results in the production of ATP as mechanical energy through exercise. Total body metabolism, specifically skeletal muscle depends on factors such as the intensity and duration of exercise, substrate availability, and Training status. During exercise at low intensities (25% of VO2 max) fat is the primary macronutrient that is oxidized for energy. As the exercise intensity progresses, (65% of VO2 max) there is an alteration in skeletal muscle utilization, which results in mainly the use of …

The Association Of Gender And Socioeconomic Position With Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Adolescents, Quentin Oliphant

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This meta-analysis investigated the association of gender and socioeconomic position with cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents. Public health professionals know the importance of physical activity level as a modifiable behavior; however, the literature has revealed that more research is needed on the association of sociodemographic variables like gender and socioeconomic position with cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents. Using the physical fitness and health outcomes conceptual model as a guide, the overall effect sizes across studies were assessed as well as the moderators of study design, sample size, age, and country. A systematic review of literature identified a total of 18 peer-reviewed studies …

Physical Fitness Characteristics Of An Active Firefighter Population Serving An Urban Area, Michael R. Antolini

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Firefighters require a high level of physical fitness in order to meet the demands of their profession. While physical fitness testing is required to join the department, firefighters are not subject to further formal exercise testing throughout the duration of their careers. Active, career firefighters were tested on a variety of physical fitness measures related to body composition, strength, power, and endurance over three testing sessions. 49 firefighters (40.5 ± 8.3 yr, 89.5 ± 13.0 kg, 27.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were found to have a resting heart rate of 57.7 ± 8.2 bpm, blood pressure of 121.5 ± 11.9/71.5 ± …

The Difference In Aerobic Capacity And Anaerobic Power Between Young Male Recreational Basketball And Soccer Players, Lesley Ngo

Kinesiology Student Research

Basketball and Soccer are two sports that are usually played recreationally that provide for an active lifestyle. At competitive levels of both sports athletes undergo different kinds of training in order to improve performance for longer periods of time but not recreationally. Basketball and soccer are sports which often require the use of both anaerobic and aerobic faculties of energy production in activities including but not limited to: dribbling, sprinting, passing, shooting, walking and jumping. The purpose of this research was to investigate the difference in aerobic capacity and anaerobic power between young male recreational basketball and soccer players. It …

Are You More Fit Than A Third Grader?, Stevie Carpenter, Taylor Elrod, Jesse Gruber, Danny Sayavong

Kinesiology Student Research

Previous studies have tested why adults seem to perform better in the areas of aerobic and anaerobic capacity, they have found that this occurs because with age comes a higher lung capacity. Also previous studies have looked at the comparison between motor development and its effect on fitness level. It was found that the higher an individuals motor proficiency the higher their fitness level appeared.

Comparison Of Aerobic Capacity Determined By The Lactate Minimum Test Among Guard, Forward And Forward-Center Positions In Basketball Players, Gustavo Gomes De Araujo, Marcelo Papoti, Fúlvia B.M. Gobatto, Adelino S.R. Silva

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

To aim of this study was to verify the aerobic capacity by lactate minimum test (LM) among different positions in professional basketball players. Twelve high performance basketball players (12 Major National Leagues, 26.7± 3.2 years) were evaluated by LM. The method of lactate elevation consisted of 6 maximum sprints of 35 m separated by 10 s of recovery each (Running Anaerobic Sprint Test). The progressive phase in LM consisted of 4 periods of 3 min each at 8, 10, 11 and 12 Km/h. After lactate elevation phase and progressive periods, 25μL samples of blood were collected to determine peak lactate …

Comparison Among The Critical Velocity Determined By Three Conventional Models And Anaerobic Threshold In Running, Alessandro M. Zagatto, Wladimir Rafael Beck, Claudio A. Gobatto

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The aim of this study was verify the use of critical velocity (CV) determined by three conventional models for prediction of the anaerobic threshold (AnT) in running. Thirteen Brazilian armed forces soldiers (age 24.6±6.6 years; body mass 74.4±7.6Kg; and body fat 17.8±5.2%) participated of the study. The CV was measured through four different intensities of running accomplished until exhaustion (tlim), it pre-adjusted to occur between 2 and 10 minutes (speed between 15km.h-1 and 21km.h-1). The CV was determined by three mathematical models, two by linear relations (velocity versus inverse of time - VCVx1/tlim; and distance versus time relations - VCDxT) …

Maximal Lactate Steady State In Swimming Tethered, Marcelo Papoti, Ricardo Vitório, Gustavo G. Araújo, Adelino S. R. Da Silva

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

This study investigated whether aerobic capacity (AC) in tethered swimming corresponds to maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and its correlation with 30 min (V30) and 400m (V400) free swimming velocity. Twenty-five swimmers were submitted to an incremental tethered swimming test (ITS) with each stage lasting 3 minutes, initial load 20N, with 10N increments and a 30s interval to collect blood samples and lactatemia ([La-]). The abrupt increase in [La-] against force (F) corresponded to AC (ACBI). The points obtained for [La-] against force (N) were adjusted with an exponential curve model to determine AC corresponding to 3.5mmol.l-1 (AC3.5) and 4.0mmol.l-1 …

The Influence Of Oral Contraceptives Of Ethinyl Estradiol Combined, Ana Cristina S. Rebelo, Roberta S. Zuttin, Vandeni C. Kunz, Nayara Y. Tamburús

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables at the peak of exercise (up to physical exhaustion) and at the anaerobic threshold (AT) during a ramp-type-ergospirometric test (R-ET) on users and nonusers of oral contraceptives (OCs). 28 sedentary women divided into 3 groups: 10 nonusers of OCs (22.8±2.4 years); 10 users of OCs of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) combined with gestodeno (23.4±4.0 years); and 8 users of OCs of EE combined with desogestrel (23.2±5.0 years). The OC groups included women undergoing combined monophasic OC for at least 8 months. The volunteers were subjected to a …

Comparative Analysis Of The Energy Expenditure In Walking And The Running In Young Men, Lucas De Castro Cardoso, Marcelo De Castro Cesar, Pamela Roberta Gomes Gonelli, Claudio Alexandre Gobatto

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Walking below 6 km/h and running above 8 km/h are efficient effort intensities to maintain the economy of energy expenditure in the mechanical work. However, in the intermediate range (between the transition of the walking to running), the mechanical work against the energy expenditure still requires analysis. So, the purpose of the present study was to compare the energy expenditure between walking and running in the load work immediately below of the inversion point in the caloric expenditure. Ten young male subjects participated of the study (24.2 ± 2.04 years; 180.7 ± 3.8 cm; 79.5 ± 8.6 kg). The transition …

Aerobic Capacity Of Wheelchair Basketball Players During Arm Crank Ergometry Vs Treadmill, Steve Quaker

Kinesiology Student Research

It is difficult to determine the aerobic capacity of wheelchair athletes by the accepted standards and methods of testing. The levels of disability and the associated functionality of the individual as well as wheelchair design itself impacts the measure of VO2 peak. VO2 peak is the maximum volume of O2 that a person's body can transport to tissue during incremental exercise. At the current time VO2 peak is the best indicator of physical fitness of an individual.

The Effects Of Kettlebell Training On Aerobic Capacity, Jonathan Asher Falatic

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a kettlebell training program on aerobic capacity. Seventeen female NCAA Division I collegiate soccer players (age 19.7 +1.0 years, height 166.1 +6.4 cm, weight 64.2 +8.2 kg) completed a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Participants were placed into a kettlebell intervention (KB) group (n = 9) or a circuit weight training control (CWT) group (n = 8). Participants in the KB group completed a kettlebell snatch test to determine individual snatch repetitions. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 4 weeks in …

Effect Of A Low Carbohydrate-Moderate Protein Supplement On Endurance Performance In Female Athletes, Erin L. Mccleave, Lisa Ferguson-Stegall, Zhenping Ding, Phillip Doerner, Bei Wang, Lynne Kammer, John L. Ivy

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Previous research has shown that consuming a carbohydrate supplement during prolonged endurance exercise improves performance compared to water or placebo. The addition of protein to traditional carbohydrate supplement has been shown to further improve perfomance beyond that of carbohydrate alone. However, few investigations have explored the effect of adding protein to a supplement containing a low carbohydrate concentration. PURPOSE: To investigate if a low carbohydrate and moderate protein supplement, provided during prolonged variable intensity exercise, would improve time to exhaustion in comparison to a traditional carbohydrate supplement. METHODS: Fourteen (n = 14) trained females cyclists and triathletes (30.4 ±1.6 yrs, …

Determination Of Force Corresponding To Maximal Lactate Steady State In Tethered Swimming, Marcelo Papoti‡, Ricardo Vitório†, Sérgio A. Cunha†, Gustavo G. Araújo†, Adelino S.R. Silva‡, Vanessa Santhiago‡, Luiz E.B. Martins‡, Claudio A. Gobatto‡

International Journal of Exercise Science

The main aim of the present investigation was to verify if the aerobic capacity (AC) measured in tethered swimming corresponds to the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and its correlation with 30 min and 400m free style swimming. Twenty-five swimmers were submitted to an incremental tethered swimming test (ITS) with an initial load of 20N and increments of 10N each 3min. After each stage of 3min, the athletes had 30s of interval to blood sample collections that were used to measure blood lactate concentrations ([La-]). The ACBI was determined by the abrupt increase in [La-] versus force (F). The points …

Use Of Heart Rate Reserve And Rating Of Perceived Exertion To Prescribe Exercise Intensity In Diabetic Autonomic Neueropathy, Sheri R. Colberg, David P. Swain, Aaron I. Vinik

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Objective- Individuals with diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) exhibit an increased resting heart rate but depressed maximal heart rate. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the validity of using either percent of heart rate reserve (HRR) or a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to prescribe exercise intensity in diabetic individuals both with and without DAN.

Research Design and Methods-The subjects consisted of 23 individuals with type 2 diabetes, ages 45-75 years, with (DAN; n=13) or without (No DAN; n=10) clinical signs of DAN, as assessed by heart rate variability using the expiration-to-inspiration ratio of the …

Vo2 Reserve And The Minimal Intensity For Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness, David P. Swain, Barry A. Franklin

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose: The American College of Sports Medicine has stated that aerobic: training needs to occur at a minimum threshold intensity of 50% VO_2max for most healthy adults and at 40% VO_2max for those with a very low initial fitness. Recently, the concept of VO₂ reserve (% VO₂R, i.e., a percentage of the difference between maximum and resting VO₂ has been introduced for prescribing exercise intensity, This analysis was designed to determine the threshold intensity for improving cardiorespiratory fitness expressed as %VO₂R units. Methods: Previous studies in healthy subjects (N = 18) that …

Fine-Tuning The Exercise Formula, David Swain

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) One hundred years ago, our forebears consumed more calories than we do today, yet they were leaner. Labor-saving devices were a rarity, and so in everyday life most people worked very hard physically. Obesity was present, of course, but afflicted only a small fraction of the population. We are not as fortunate today.