Biomedical subjects

E Van Praagh

Publications and source records attributed to E Van Praagh.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Effect of chronic hypoxia and socioeconomic status on anaerobic power of 10- to 12-year-old Bolivian boys.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chronic high altitude hypoxia and socioeconomic status on the anaerobic power, developed during short-term maximal exercises, of prepubertal Bolivian boys. We studied 67 prepubertal boys (9-12.6 years) at high altitude in La Paz (3600 m, Bolivia); 23 were from a high socioeconomic background (HAHSES) and 44 from a low socioeconomic background (HALSES). The group studied at low altitude in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (420 m, Bolivia) consisted of 78 boys of the same age; 30 were from a high (LAHSES) and 48 from a low (LALSES) socioeconomic background. Maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) was determined by a force-velocity test and mean anaerobic power (P) was measured by a 30-s Wingate test. The tests were realized at high and low altitude on the same calibrated cycle ergometer. At both high and low altitudes, Pmax expressed in absolute terms or relative to body weight were significantly higher in boys of high socioeconomic status (HAHSES: 6.8 +/- 1.0; LAHSES: 7.1 +/- 1.0 W.kg-1 BW) than in boys of low socioeconomic status (HALSES: 5.5 +/- 0.8; LALSES: 5.3 +/- 0.9 W.kg-1 BW). However, there was no significant difference between highland and lowland boys of the same socioeconomic class. The same observations were obtained for P (HAHSES: 5.2 +/- 0.8; HALSES: 4.5 +/- 0.9; LAHSES: 5.2 +/- 0.7; LALSES: 4 +/- 0.6 W.kg-1 BW). To conclude, boys of the same socioeconomic class at high and low altitude had the same anaerobic power. However, regardless of altitude, low socioeconomic status led to lower power developed during short-term maximal exercises.

Altitude↗

PubMed1993

Effect of chronic hypoxia and socioeconomic status on VO2max and anaerobic power of Bolivian boys.

The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of altitude and socioeconomic and nutritional status on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and anaerobic power (P) in 11-yr-old Bolivian boys. At both high (HA) (3,600 m) and low (LA) (420 m) altitudes, the boys were divided into high (HA1, n = 23, LA1, n = 48) and low (HA2, n = 44, LA2, n = 30) socioeconomic levels. Anthropometric characteristics, VO2max, and P [maximal P (Pmax) during a force-velocity test and mean P (P) during a 30-s Wingate test] were measured. Results showed that 1) anthropometric parameters were not different between HA1 and LA1 and HA2 and LA2 boys, but HA2 and LA2 boys were two years behind HA1 and LA1 boys in development; 2) VO2max was not different in boys from the same altitude, but at HA VO2max was 10% lower than at LA (HA1 = 37.2 +/- 5.6, HA2 = 38.9 +/- 6.4, LA1 = 42.5 +/- 5.8, LA2 = 42.5 +/- 5.3 ml.min-1 x kg-1 body wt); and 3) Pmax and P were higher in well-nourished than in undernourished boys, but there was no difference in Pmax and P between HA1 and LA1 and HA2 and LA2 boys (HA1 = 6.8 +/- 1.0, HA2 = 5.5 +/- 0.8, LA1 = 7.1 +/- 1.0, LA2 = 5.3 +/- 0.9 W/kg for Pmax; HA1 = 5.2 +/- 0.8, HA2 = 4.5 +/- 0.9, LA1 = 5.2 +/- 0.7, LA2 = 4.0 +/- 0.6 W/kg for P).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Altitude↗

PubMed1992

A simple calibration method for mechanically braked cycle ergometers.

The calibration of cycle ergometers should be checked regularly. Some studies have shown calibration errors of more than 40%. A simple, inexpensive calibrating method for mechanically braked cycle ergometers was developed and tried out on a new type of ergocycle. The cycle ergometer was elevated and the crank replaced by a pulley fitted to the shaft. The crank speed (rpm) increased linearly as a function of time when different masses were applied on the pulley. For a given braking force on the cycle ergometer, different accelerations corresponding to the increased pulley forces could be measured. When extrapolating for zero acceleration, it was possible to determine a "limit-force" which allowed the system to be in equilibrium. Additional force creates motion. The same experiments were repeated with increasing braking forces. Using the differently sized gear sprockets of the transmission system, it was possible to calculate the actual force, including all the resistances. The actual force found by the calibrating method was then compared with the indicated force proposed by the manufacturer. With increasing forces, the relative errors decreased from 9.6 to 2.9%. The cycle ergometer calibrated by this technique meets the standards recommended in exercise physiology.

Calibration↗

PubMed1992

Physical fitness of children resident at high altitude in Bolivia.

In 7-15-yr-old children living in La Paz (Bolivia, altitude 3,700 m) (HA): 1) Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) varies from 35 to 45 ml.min-1.kg-1 and maximal heart rate from 188 to 194 beats.min-1. These values are lower than those of their counterparts at low altitude (LA) by 10-20% and 10-15 b.min-1, respectively. 2) The anaerobic metabolism is not affected by chronic hypoxia if the nutritional conditions and pubertal development of HA and LA boys are the same. When related to percent of VO2max, submaximal O2 debts are similar at HA and LA. After supramaximal exercise, maximal O2 debts (45.7 +/- 2.7 vs 45.9 +/- 3.8 ml.kg-1) and blood lactate concentrations (7.6 +/- 0.6 vs 6.5 +/- 0.6 mmol.l-1) are also the same at HA and LA. No differences are observed between the 2 altitudes in ventilatory (60 vs 56% VO2max) and lactate (60 vs 65% VO2max) thresholds. The altitude of La Paz does not alter the anaerobic performance of a force-velocity test (from 6 to 10 W.kg-1) between the ages of 7 to 15 years but reduces by 14-17% the mean anaerobic power developed during a 30-s Wingate test. This decrease could be linked to a lower participation of glycolysis and aerobic metabolism at HA during this test. 3) Poor socio-economic and nutritional conditions do not modify the aerobic performance of boys living in La Paz but lead to lower maximal anaerobic power (from -17% to -25%) when compared with HA boys from a high socio-economic background.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Force-velocity and 30-s Wingate tests in boys at high and low altitudes.

The effects of high altitude (HA, 3,700 m) on performance during a force-velocity test (maximal anaerobic power, MAnP) and a 30-s Wingate test (mean power, P) were studied in boys 7-15 yr of age. Forty-seven children acclimatized to HA were compared with 101 living at low altitude (LA, 330 m). They had the same good nutritional status and the same level of physical activities [average 5.4 +/- 1.1 (SD) and 5.2 +/- 1.9 h/wk at HA and LA, respectively]. They performed the two tests using the same calibrated cycle ergometer. For the Wingate test, O2 uptake (VO2) during the 30 s and the peak of blood lactate concentration ([L]p) during the recovery were also measured. No difference in MAnP was observed between HA and LA. P, [L]p, and VO2 were lower at HA. This suggests that the altitude of 3,700 m did not affect the performance of the force-velocity test but reduced that of the Wingate test. This decrease in P was linked to a lower participation of glycolysis and aerobic metabolism. The latter is related to a reduced aerobic performance at HA. In addition, the slopes of the relationships between age and MAnP, P, and [L]p were the same at HA and LA, indicating that chronic hypoxia did not alter the development of the anaerobic metabolism during puberty.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1988

Enzymatic and hormonal responses following a 24 h endurance run and a 10 h triathlon race.

Muscle cell leakage and hormonal changes were compared immediately after and during the 3 days following a 24 h endurance run (R24h) in 8 subjects, and a 10 h triathlon non-competitive race (T10h) in 6 subjects. The study showed three main differences: 1) plasma enzyme increases were considerably more significant in R24h than in T10h: compared with resting levels, creatine kinase increased x 120 after R24h but only x 2 after T10h; lactic dehydrogenase x 4, as opposed to x 1.5; and transaminases only showed an increase after R24h. The plasma myoglobin increase after R24h was double that found after T10h; 2) for the same magnitude of plasma aldosterone and cortisol after R24h and T10h (3 times the resting levels), a highly significant decrease in urinary Na+ (p less than 0.001) and an increase in urinary K+ (p less than 0.01) were found only after R24h; and 3) the plasma free noradrenaline level increased significantly after R24h (x 2.6) whereas it was unchanged after T10h. In contrast, the plasma level of conjugated dopamine increased only after T10h (x 3.7, p less than 0.05). These results suggest that long-distance running causes more muscular lesions than the triathlon, and that important factors other than aldosterone are probably involved in the regulation of urinary electrolyte excretions during T10h.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Anaerobic metabolism during pubertal development at high altitude.

In a previous study we showed that there were no differences in anaerobic metabolism between groups of 11-yr-old children living at high (3,700 m) and low (330 m) altitudes. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in this metabolism during pubertal development. We compare blood lactate concentration ([L]) after maximal bicycle exercise in 20 boys acclimatized to high altitude (HA, 12 yr old) and at low altitude in 14 boys (LA1, 12 yr old) and in 13 boys (LA2, 14 yr old). The subjects had the same level of physical fitness and the same nutritional and socioeconomic status. Pubertal development was identified by salivary testosterone concentration ([T]). Results (means +/- SE) showed 1) at the age of 12 years, [L] and [T] in HA were significantly higher than in LA1 ([L] was 9.2 +/- 0.5 vs. 6.8 +/- 0.5 mmol/l, [T] was 233 +/- 66 vs. 132 +/- 30 pmol/l), 2) [L] and [T] in HA were statistically the same as in LA2, and 3) a linear relationship between [L] and [T] was significant (P less than 0.05) in all HA and LA subjects. This suggests that the higher [L] in 12-yr-old boys living at HA could result in an enhanced anaerobic metabolism linked to an earlier gonadal maturation evaluated by testosterone level.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

Oxygen debt in submaximal and supramaximal exercise in children at high and low altitude.

The effect of high altitude (HA) on O2 debt and blood lactate concentration [( L]) was examined in 10- to 13-yr-old children who exhibited the same level of physical fitness. Fifty-one children acclimatized to HA (3,700 m) were compared with 40 children living at low altitude (LA, 330 m) during submaximal (20-95% maximal aerobic power, MAP), maximal and supramaximal (115% MAP) bicycle exercise. Results showed that 1) maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rate were significantly (P less than 0.001) lower at HA than at LA by 15% and 11 beats X min-1, respectively; 2) for a given absolute work load, O2 debt was higher at HA than at LA, and the slopes of the linear relationships between O2 debt and O2 uptake were significantly higher at HA; 3) when related to percent of VO2max, O2 debts in HA and LA were similar; for 115% MAP maximal O2 debt and [L] were not significantly different (maximal O2 debt, 45.7 +/- 2.7 and 45.9 +/- 3.8 ml X kg-1; [L], 6.0 +/- 0.3 and 6.7 +/- 0.5 mM); and 4) linear relationships between maximal O2 debt and [L] were the same at HA and LA. This suggests that HA did not modify the anaerobic capacity in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Validity of a V.O2 max prediction equation of the 2-km walk test in female seniors.

Walking is a useful exercise mode for most adults due to its general ease, acceptability, and safety. Therefore, many field tests based on performance in walking have been developed to predict V.O (2 max). Even if these tests are much easier to perform than laboratory tests, field tests have to be valid. The objective of the paper was to explore the accuracy and bias of a V.O (2 max) prediction equation of the 2-km Walk Test, in an active female senior group (n=18, mean age: 66.1+/-4.4). V.O (2 max) (l . min (-1)) was measured during cycle ergometry by direct gas analysis from a maximal test (step: 30 W, time: 2 min 30). V.O (2 max) related to body mass was then calculated (ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)). Subjects completed also the 2-km Walk Test (UKK Institute). V.O (2 max) (ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)) was then predicted from age, sex, body mass index, heart rate, and walking time measured during the 2-km Walk Test. Predicted V.O (2 max) and measured V.O (2 max) were highly correlated (r=0.63, p<0.01). Predicted V.O (2 max) (20.5+/-6.1 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)) was not significantly different from measured V.O (2 max) (18.7+/-3.4 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1)). Prediction equation bias with its 95 % limits of agreement was - 1.8+/-4.8 ml . min (-1) . kg (-1) with a coefficient of variation of 24.2 %. In an active female senior population, the 2-km Walk Test offers a fairly accurate V.O (2 max) prediction. The training and learning effects can be neglected because when the test was repeated no significant bias was observed between the two trials.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The importance of socioeconomic and nutritional conditions rather than altitude on the physical growth of prepubertal Andean highland boys.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of hypoxic stress on the physical growth of prepubertal Bolivian boys (10-11.5 years of age) of the same socioeconomic and nutritional conditions. The subjects consisted of 143 boys living in La Paz (altitude 3600 m, n = 67) and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (altitude 420 m, n = 76). Among the boys studied at high altitude, 23 were from a high socioeconomic background (HA1) and 44 from a low socioeconomic background (HA2). The group studied at low altitude consisted of 47 boys from a high socioeconomic background (LA1) and 29 from a low socioeconomic background (LA2). A scientific evaluation of the nutritional status of the boys was realized from specific anthropometric characteristics (height, body weight, upper arm muscle circumference, body fat mass and body mass index) and haematological (haematocrit, haemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, red cell protoporphyrin, transferrin saturation) and biochemical (total serum protein, albumin and prealbumin) parameters. At high as at low altitudes, the biometric characteristics of boys from a low socioeconomic background were significantly lower than those of boys from a high socioeconomic background. The physical growth of HA2 and LA2 boys was delayed by approximately 2 years. All the boys had biochemical and haematological parameters within the normal range. Boys from a low socioeconomic background were considered as marginally undernourished and those from a high socioeconomic background as well-nourished. Within the same socioeconomic class there was no nutritional difference between highland and lowland boys. Similarly, and this is the most important feature of this study, there was no difference for the overall biometric characteristics between highland and lowland boys of the same socioeconomic and nutritional status. Therefore, it appears that when socioeconomic and nutritional conditions are taken into account, there is no effect of hypoxic stress on the physical growth of prepubertal Andean highland boys.

Altitude↗