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Biomedical subjects

A Lucía

Publications and source records attributed to A Lucía.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Overtraining parameters in special military units.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown the diagnostic relevance of the so-called free testosterone/cortisol ratio (FTCR). A condition of overtraining might indeed exist in an athlete when at least one of the two following criteria are observed: a) a FTCR value lower than 0.00035 (FT in nmol x L(-1) and C in micromol x L(-1)); and b) a decrease in the FTCR of 30% or more. On the other hand, no previous research has studied the incidence of overtraining in special military units as a result of their demanding training programs. HYPOTHESIS: A percentage of recruits of the Spanish special military Unit, "Grupo de Operaciones Especiales," (GOES) might be overtrained. It was the purpose of our study to analyze the effects on the FTCR of an intense physical training program performed by recruits of the GOES. METHODS: Before (PRE) and after (POST) an 8-wk training program, respectively, the following measurements were made in 42 recruits of the GOES: hematological and hormonal parameters (FTCR), aerobic and anaerobic tests, and strength and power tests. RESULTS: A high incidence (10 subjects, 23.8% of total) of overtraining existed among conscripts, as determined by the absolute criterium of a decline in the FCTR of 30% or more when comparing PRE and POST values. Additionally, overtraining was associated with a decrease in performance (i.e., isometric strength, vertical jump, Wingate tests). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to some conventional measurements of performance, the FTCR might be used to monitor exercise training in military units, in order to prevent overtraining.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Azelastine does not adversely affect aerobic performance.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the treatment of allergic rhinitis with azelastine on physiological indicators of aerobic performance such as VO2 max and ventilatory threshold (VT) were evaluated. The clinical efficacy of azelastine was also established. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: fifteen physically active males with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis were selected as subjects (experimental group, EXP). Fifteen physically active, healthy subjects served as controls. Subjects performed a maximal incremental exercise test on a bicycle ergometer (ramp protocol) before and after a 5-day treatment period. During the 5 days, EXP group subjects were treated with azelastine (intranasal dose of 0.56 mg/day). The following variables were recorded before and after treatment: power output (W), HR (beats.min-1), VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1), minute ventilation (VE, in 1.min-1), and oxygen pulse (VO2.HR-1, in ml.beat -1). Blood lactate concentrations (mmol.l-1) were also determined using capillary blood samples (25 microliters). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between pre- and post-trial variables in control subjects. However, peak HR values were lower in EXP subjects after treatment with azelastine (190 +/- 6 beats.min-1 pre-treatment vs 186 +/- 56 beats.min-1 post-treatment; p < 0.05). In addition, VE values at the exercise intensity corresponding to VT were higher in EXP after treatment (54.7 +/- 12.8 l.min-1 pre-treatment vs 60.2 +/- 14.6 l.min-1 post-treatment, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the intranasal administration of azelastine used for the treatment of allergic symptoms of the upper respiratory tract in physically active subjects, does not seem to adversely affect maximal aerobic capacity or submaximal aerobic performance.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1997

Anaerobic threshold determination with analysis of salivary amylase.

The purpose of this study was to determine the anaerobic threshold from analysis of amylase concentration in total saliva during a laboratory exercise test. Each of 20 healthy young men performed both a submaximal and a maximal test on a treadmill. During the submaximal test, capillary blood and total saliva samples were collected for determination of anaerobic threshold (AT) and saliva threshold (Tsa), respectively. Tsa was defined as the point at which the first continuous increase in amylase concentration occurred during exercise. The results showed no significant difference between values of AT and Tsa when both were expressed either as running velocity or as heart rate. In addition, there existed a high correlation between AT and Tsa (r = .93, p < .001). It was therefore concluded that the analysis of amylase concentration in total saliva during exercise might be used as a valid new method for determining AT.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Electromyographic response to exercise in cardiac transplant patients: a new method for anaerobic threshold determination?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible use of integrated surface electromyography (iEMG) in cardiac transplant patients (CTPs) as a new noninvasive determinant of the metabolic response to exercise by studying the relationship between the iEMG threshold (iEMGT) and other more conventional methods for anaerobic threshold (AT) determination, such as the lactate threshold (LT) and the ventilatory threshold (VT). Thirteen patients (age: 57+/-7 years, mean+/-SD; height: 163+/-7 cm; body mass: 70.5+/-8.6 kg; posttransplant time: 87+/-49 weeks) were selected as subjects. Each of them performed a ramp protocol on a cycle ergometer (starting at 0 W, the workload was increased in 10 W/min). During the tests, gas exchange data, blood lactate levels, and iEMG of the vastus lateralis were collected to determine VT, LT, and iEMGT, respectively. The results evidenced no significant difference between mean values of VT, LT, or iEMGT, when expressed either as oxygen uptake (11.1+/-2.4, 11.7+/-2.3, and 11.0+/-2.8 mL/kg/min, respectively) or as percent maximum oxygen uptake (61.6+/-7.5, 62.2+/-7.7, and 59.6+/-8.2%, respectively). In conclusion, our findings suggest that iEMG might be used as a complementary, noninvasive method for AT determination in CTPs. In addition, since the aerobic impairment of these patients is largely due to peripheral limitation, determination of iEMGT could be used to assess the effectiveness of an exercise rehabilitation program to improve muscle aerobic capacity in CTPs.

Anaerobic Threshold↗
PubMed1997

Lactic threshold vs ventilatory threshold during a ramp test on a cycle ergometer.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between the lactate (LT) and the ventilatory threshold (VT) during a ramp protocol in cycle ergometry. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty nine trained male subjects were selected as subjects. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: All the subjects performed a maximal ergometric test on a cycle ergometer consisting of a ramp protocol (increases of 25 W.min-1). The anaerobic threshold (AT) was determined using both ventilatory gas analysis (VT) and lactate measurement (LT). All the data related to the VT and LT were expressed in work rate (W), VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1) and heart rate (bpm) and expressed as mean and standard deviation. Lactate threshold (LT) and ventilatory threshold (VT) were compared using the Student's "t"-test for paired data. Correlation coefficients between both variables were also calculated. Statistical significance was accepted at the 5% level. RESULTS: Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between mean values of VT and LT when both expressed either as heart rate (bpm), work rate (W), or VO2 (ml.kg-1.min-1). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that LT and VT occur at different exercise intensities during ramp protocol exercise on a cycle ergometer.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Reproductive function in male endurance athletes: sperm analysis and hormonal profile.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of endurance exercise on male reproductive function (sex hormones and seminograms). Professional cyclists [n = 12; mean age 24 +/- 2 (SD) yr], elite triathletes (n = 9; 26 +/- 3 yr), recreational marathon runners (n = 10; 32 +/- 6 yr), and sedentary subjects (control group; n = 9; 30 +/- 4 yr) were selected as subjects. for each group, the following parameters were measured three times during the sports season (training period: winter; competition period: spring; resting period: fall): percentage of body fat, hormonal profile (resting levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total and free testosterone, and cortisol), and seminograms (quantitative parameters sperm volume and sperm count; qualitative parameters: sperm motality and morphology). The following comparisons were made in the measured parameters: 1) within groups (longitudinal design) and 2) between groups in each of the three periods (cross-sectional design) and over time (mixed design). In addition, both the volume and the intensity of training of each subject during the season (except for the control group) were quantified. Despite significant differences in training characteristics and in body fat percent, in general no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in hormonal profiles or in semen characteristics between or within groups. A lower sperm motility (46.2 +/- 19.5%), however, was observed in the cyclists during the competition period when compared either with the other groups during this same period (P < 0.05) or with themselves during the other two periods of study (P < 0.01). In any case, the later phenomenon was attributed to physical factors associated with cycling, such as mechanical trauma to the testis and/or increased gonadal temperature. In conclusion, our findings suggest that endurance exercise does not adversely affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Relationship between lactate and ammonia thresholds in heart transplant patients.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between both blood ammonia thresholds (AmT) and lactate thresholds (LT) during dynamic exercise in cardiac transplant patients (CTPs). Eleven male patients who had undergone orthotopic cardiac transplantation (age: 54 +/- 11 years, mean +/- SD; height: 165.1 +/- 6.6 cm; body mass: 78.3 +/- 16.1 kg) participated in this study. Each of them performed a bicycle ergometer test (ramp protocol) until volitional fatigue. During each test, gas exchange parameters and ECG responses were determined continuously. In addition, blood lactate and ammonia concentrations were measured every 2 min for determination of both LT and AmT, respectively. Peak values of oxygen uptake (Vo2), respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, and heart rate averaged 15.9 +/- 3.03 mL.Kg-1.min-1, 1.02 +/- 0.06, 46.69 +/- 5.69 L.min-1, and 124 +/- 16 beats per minute, respectively. However, blood concentrations of lactate and ammonia at peak exercise were 3.7 +/- 0.4 mmol.L-1 and 85.6 +/- 31.7 micrograms.dL-1, respectively. LT and AmT were detected in 8 (72.7% of total) and 9 (81.8% of total) of 11 subjects, respectively. No significant differences were found between mean values of LT and AmT, when both were expressed either as Vo2 (10.01 +/- 1.19 vs 10.5 +/- 2.38 mL.kg-1.min-1, respectively) or as percent Vo2 peak (64.62 +/- 11.362 vs 66.48 +/- 9.19%, respectively). In addition, LT and AmT were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) when both were expressed either as Vo2 (mL.kg-1.min-1) or as percent Vo2 peak (r = 0.70 and r = 0.68, respectively). Our findings suggest that in CTPs, both LT and AmT occur at similar workloads, probably as a result of skeletal muscle alterations associated with chronic deconditioning and immunosuppressive therapy.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Monoclonal antibodies for exercise-induced fecal blood detection--comparison with Hemofec.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the incidence of fecal occult blood in marathoners using an immunochemical technique (OC-Hemodia). Five stool specimens (2 pre- and 3 postrace) were collected from 24 male runners (mean age 41.4 +/- 9.3 yrs) and analysed for fecal occult blood using the OC-Hemodia test. The results were also compared with a qualitative test (Hemofec) in 12 subjects who were randomly selected from the overall group of 24 runners. With the immunochemical technique, the results evidenced the presence of fecal occult blood in 8 subjects in the first postrace stool specimens. Four of these 8 subjects also tested positive in the second postrace sample, whereas in the third postrace sample only one of them tested positive. With the qualitative test, fecal blood was demonstrated in 10 runners in the first postrace sample. Eight of them tested positive in the second sample, whereas only 5 tested positive in the third sample. The immunochemical technique is recommended for fecal occult blood detection in marathoners.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Platelet aggregability in relation to the anaerobic threshold.

Platelet aggregability might be increased during physical exercise. This, in turn, has been explained by the elevation of plasma catecholamines and by the state of lactic acidosis, which occur at high exercise intensities. The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between changes in platelet aggregability and exercise intensity, the latter being determined in reference to the anaerobic threshold (AT). Each of sixteen male subjects performed an incremental exercise test in order to determine both (a) his running velocity (VAT) corresponding to his anaerobic threshold and (b) his running velocity (V4mM) corresponding to 95% of his running velocity eliciting a blood lactate concentration of 4 mM.l-1. Three and six days after this preliminary test, respectively, each subject performed an exercise test of 30 minutes, at a constant running velocity of either VAT or V4mM. Running velocity for each day's test was randomly assigned. Both capillary and venous blood samples were collected immediately before and immediately after each test, and after 30 minutes of recovery from each test, respectively. Capillary blood samples were obtained for determination of blood lactate concentration, whereas venous blood samples were obtained for determination of platelet count, and platelet aggregation in response to ADP and collagen, respectively. Platelet count significantly increased (p < 0.001) immediately after the 30-minute-tests at either VAT and V4mM, remaining elevated (p < 0.05) after 30 minutes of recovery from the tests at V4mM. The results did not evidence any significant increase in platelet aggregability with exercise, except for aggregation response to ADP immediately after the tests performed at V4mM (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Validity and reliability of the Cosmed K2 instrument.

The purpose of this study was to measure the validity and reliability of a portable telemetry system (Cosmed K2) for measurement of oxygen consumption (VO2) during a laboratory exercise test at submaximum and maximum intensities. Twenty subjects performed three testing sessions on a treadmill on three consecutive days. Each testing session consisted of a submaximal and a maximal exercise test. On one day, VO2 was determined with the conventional Douglas bag method, and on the other two days, VO2 was determined using the Cosmed K2 system. Utilization of the Douglas bag method or the Cosmed K2 was randomly assigned. The results indicated that the Cosmed K2 instrument is reliable and valid (p > 0.05) for measurement of VO2 (l.min-1) during laboratory exercise testing at submaximum and maximum intensities. The assumption made by the K2 apparatus of a constant respiratory gas exchange ratio (R) of 1.00 did not have a significant influence on VO2 measurements.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Is there an association between ACE and CKMM polymorphisms and cycling performance status during 3-week races?

In this paper, we examine the association between polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM) genes, and the actual performance status observed in professional cyclists capable of completing a classic tour stage race such as the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, or Vuelta a España. To accomplish this, we compared the frequencies of the ACE and CKMM genotypes/alleles in 50 top-level Spanish professional cyclists that have completed at least one of these events to 119 sedentary controls, and 27 elite (Olympic-class) Spanish runners. The genetic polymorphism at the CK-MM locus was detected with the NcoI restriction endonuclease. The results of our study showed that the proportion of the DD genotype was higher in cyclists (50.0 %) than in the other two groups (p<0.05), the proportion of the ID genotype was higher in controls (46.2 %) than in the other two groups (p<0.05), and the proportion of the II genotype was higher in runners (40.7 %) than in the other two groups (p<0.05). The proportion of the D allele was higher in both cyclists (65.0 %) and controls (57.6 %) than in runners (46.3 %) (p<0.001), whereas the proportion of the I allele was higher in runners than in the other two groups (p<0.001). No statistical differences were found for CKK-MM- NcoI. We conclude that in top-level professional cyclists capable of completing a classic 3-wk tour race, the frequency distribution of the D allele and the DD genotype seems to be higher than in other endurance athletes such as elite runners (in whom the I allele is especially frequent).

Adult↗