Biomedical subjects

N Tordi

Publications and source records attributed to N Tordi.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Changes in oxygen uptake, shoulder muscles activity, and propulsion cycle timing during strenuous wheelchair exercise.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-over study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of strenuous wheelchair exercise on oxygen uptake (VO2 ), muscle activity and propulsion cycle timing (including the push time and recovery time during one full arm cycle). SETTING: Laboratory of Sport Sciences at the University of France-Comte in France. METHODS: Two exercise bouts of 6-min duration were performed at a constant workload: (1) non-fatigable exercise (moderate workload) and (2) fatigable exercise (heavy workload). Measurement of VO2, surface electromyographic activity (EMG) from shoulder muscles, and temporal parameters of wheelchair ergometer propulsion were collected from eight able-bodied men (26+/-4 years). RESULTS: A progressive increase in VO2 associated with EMG alterations (P<0.05), and a decrease of the cycle and recovery time (P<0.05) during the heavy exercise. Whereas the push time remained constant, an increased muscle activation time (P<0.05) was found during heavy exercise. CONCLUSION: Observations during wheelchair ergometry indicate the development of fatigue and inefficient muscle coordination, which may contribute to deleterious stress distributions at the shoulder joint, increasing susceptibility to injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Degree of coordination between breathing and rhythmic arm movements during hand rim wheelchair propulsion.

This study aimed (i) to quantify the spontaneous coordination between breathing and hand rim wheelchair propulsion, (ii) to manipulate arm movement frequency and assess its effects on spontaneous coordination, and (iii) to investigate the hypothesis that entrainment of breathing improves economy of locomotion and leads to a lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) compared with spontaneous breathing. Nine male, able-bodied participants completed four bouts of 6 min submaximal steady state exercise at 60 % of maximal propulsion velocity on a wheelchair ergometer, with spontaneous breathing and arm frequencies (Fspont), with 20 % higher and lower arm frequencies (F +20 and F -20, respectively) compared to Fspont accompanied with spontaneous breathing frequency, and by synchronising expiration phase with pushing time and inspiration phase with upper limb recovery time (C). Oxygen uptake and propulsion frequency were continuously recorded. The degree of coordination was expressed as a percentage of inspiration starting in the same phase of the wheelchair propulsion cycle (i.e. pushing and recovery times). No difference in degree of coordination was observed between Fspont, F -20 and F +20 conditions (49.2 +/- 12.1 %, 49.1 +/- 29.0 % and 48.2 +/- 29.4 %, respectively). Oxygen uptake increased significantly during C condition while RPE was significantly lower for C and F -20 (p < 0.05) compared to F +20 conditions. Contrary to what we expected, entrainment of breathing using a monofrequency ratio (C) induced a higher energy cost probably due to the mechanical properties of the wheelchair propulsion activity itself. In conclusion, this study showed that the same locomotor-respiratory coupling occurred during hand rim wheelchair propulsion regardless of the arm movement frequency, and that entrainment of breathing did not improve economy of locomotion.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Late effects of cycle competition on arterial stiffness. A preliminary study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cycle competition on the large arteries stiffness, 24-hours after the end of the effort. METHODS: Two males elite cyclists were studied before and after performing a stage-race. Their heart rate (HR) was measured continuously during the two competition days. The impact of the competition on their vascular system was determined using the measure of pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of regional arterial stiffness. HR and blood pressure were also measured before and 24-hours postexercise. RESULTS: During the race, mean cyclists HR were relatively similar. Changes in PWV and HR were found after competition: these measures increased for the offensive subject and decreased for the other. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their involvement in the same cycling competition, we suggest that the long-term effects induced by effort on arterial stiffness were inverted according to the subject's comportment during the race. This study should be completed by others measures in order to precise our results and to precise the possible link between arteries stiffness and the recovery kinetic process, both depending on the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system control.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of fitness level by the oxygen uptake efficiency slope after a short-term intermittent endurance training.

Several indicators are used as indices of cardiorespiratory reserve. Among them, oxygen uptake (VO(2)) at peak and ventilatory threshold (VAT) levels are the most common used. In the present study, endurance training was used to evaluate and compare the usefulness of a new index, the Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) as an alternative to the previous ones. Fifteen physical education student women participated in the study (8 as a trained group [T: age (mean +/- SD) 21.9 +/- 3.3 y, height 165.1 +/- 5.5 cm, weight 60.4 +/- 3.3 kg] and 7 as a control group [C: age 21.7 +/- 1.9 y, height 165.4 +/- 7.2 cm, weight 59.6 +/- 8.6 kg]). Before and after 6 weeks of the Square-Wave Endurance Exercise Test (SWEET) training program or daily activities, they performed an incremental test (30 W/3 min) on a cycle ergometer to determined VO(2), power output and parameters associated with breathing efficiency (the respiratory equivalents, and the ventilatory dead space to tidal volume ratio [Vd/Vt]) at peak- and VAT-levels. The slope of the relationship between ventilation and carbon dioxide production was also calculated. OUES, derived from the logarithmic relationship between VO(2) and minute ventilation (V(E)), was determined at 75 % (OUES75), 90 % (OUES90) and 100 % (OUES100) of exercise duration. After endurance training in T, VO(2) and power output were significantly improved at peak- and VAT-levels while all breathing efficiency indices remained unchanged. No changes were observed in C after 6 weeks. Despite significant correlation between OUES values and VO(2) at peak- and VAT-levels, OUES75, OUES90 and OUES100 did not significantly change after endurance training. While VO(2) and power output at peak- and VAT-levels increased in all T, training-induced changes in OUES appeared more variable. We concluded that OUES was not sufficiently sensitive to highlight improvement of cardiorespiratory reserve after endurance training whereas VO(2) at peak and VAT levels did.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Measurements of cardiac output during constant exercises: comparison of two non-invasive techniques.

We compared cardiac output (CO) determined simultaneously by electrical impedance cardiography method (CO (ICG)) and by the CO (2) rebreathing technique (CO (2REB)) during three different steady-state exercises (target heart rate of 120, 140, and 160 min (-1)) in 8 healthy fit young men. The mean difference correlation coefficient obtained between the values of CO (ICG) and CO (2REB) was 0.85 and the mean difference (CO (ICG)-CO (2REB)) was 0.06 l/min (0.12 %). At 120 min (-1), CO (ICG) was lower than CO (2REB) but the tendency was reversed at 140 and 160 min (-1) where CO (ICG) was higher than CO (2REB). This evolution may be explained by the difficulty of using CO (2) rebreathing technique at the highest steady-state exercises and by the progressive acidemia due to exercise. The present results suggest that electrical impedance cardiography method provides acceptable evaluation of CO and may favourably replace the CO (2) rebreathing technique during mild (or moderate) to high steady-state exercises.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Surface electromyography of nine shoulder muscles in two iron cross conditions in gymnastics.

AIM: The rules of gymnastics impose an element of static strength such as an iron cross (IC) on the rings. For IC training, coaches use a custom made device -- the herdos -- to simulate the conditions of competition. The purpose was to compare muscle activity and coordination during IC performed both on the rings and using herdos. Secondly, we tried to determine whether herdos usage induced functional adaptations of the shoulder muscles. METHODS: Six male gymnasts performed 10 IC in each condition. Surface electromyogram of muscles pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus, rhomboideus, trapezius, serratus anterior, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii in the right shoulder were analysed using root-mean-square (RMS), and muscle part's in each condition. Muscle part represents the contribution of each of the 9 shoulder muscles studied in each condition. Total muscle activity (SUM) was also used to compare the 2 conditions. RESULTS: Except for the muscle teres major, the RMS decreases (p<0.05) when using the herdos. The SUM also decreases (p<0.05) when using this device. The muscle parts indicate that the contribution of the muscle latissimus dorsi decreases (p<0.05) when using the herdos. These results suggest that the herdos modified shoulder coordination. But their usage does not seem to induce any functional adaptations of these muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The herdos do not seem to provide a valid method to reproduce the same shoulder coordination as on the rings. Therefore IC training with this special device could be called in question.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Effects of a wheelchair ergometer training programme on spinal cord-injured persons.

STUDY DESIGN: Before and after investigation of the effects of a wheelchair ergometer Training programme. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of an original interval-training programme on work capacity and cardiorespiratory variables with spinal cord-injured persons (SCIP's) on a wheelchair-specific ergometer. SETTING: BESANCON, FRANCE. METHODS: Seven SCIP's (male) performed 45 min of wheelchair ergometry three times per week, for 6 weeks. Training effects on maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied by comparison of performance and cardiorespiratory responses observed during both a maximal progressive test (10 W/2 min) and the same training session performed before and after training. RESULTS: Training induced significant improvements in maximal tolerated power (+19.6%), in peak oxygen consumption (VO2,+16%), and in oxygen pulse (O2p,+18.7%). At ventilatory threshold, significant improvements were also observed in power output (+63%), VO2VT(+ 34.1), ventilation VEVT(+ 37.1%), and V2pVT(+ 19.9% ). Heart rate and ventilation were significantly lower (-11 and -14.6%, respectively) after training at the same work rate, while VO2 was unchanged. Between the first and the last training session, the total physical work was improved by 24.7%, whereas heart rate was unchanged. CONCLUSION: An interval-training programme individualised to each paraplegic subject using a wheelchair ergometer can significantly improve the fitness level and endurance capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Oxygen uptake kinetics during two bouts of heavy cycling separated by fatiguing sprint exercise in humans.

We tested the hypothesis that O(2) uptake (Vo(2)) kinetics at the onset of heavy exercise would be altered in a state of muscle fatigue and prior metabolic acidosis. Eight well-trained cyclists completed two identical bouts of 6-min cycling exercise at >85% of peak Vo(2) separated by three successive bouts of 30 s of sprint cycling. Not only was baseline Vo(2) elevated after prior sprint exercises but also the time constant of phase II Vo(2) kinetics was faster (28.9 +/- 2.4 vs. 22.2 +/- 1.7 s; P < 0.05). CO(2) output (Vco(2)) was significantly reduced throughout the second exercise bout. Subsequently Vo(2) was greater at 3 min and increased less after this after prior sprint exercise. Cardiac output, estimated by impedance cardiography, was significantly higher in the first 2 min of the second heavy exercise bout. Normalized integrated surface electromyography of four leg muscles and normalized mean power frequency were not different between exercise bouts. Vo(2) and Vco(2) kinetic responses to heavy exercise were markedly altered by prior multiple sprint exercises.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Perceived exertion and rehabilitation with wheelchair ergometer: comparison between patients with spinal cord injury and healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a rehabilitation program on the perceived exertion (PE) and the cardioventilatory responses during exercise in healthy people and paraplegics. METHODS: A group of seven healthy persons (age 26.6 SD 6.2 years) and one of seven paraplegics (age 42 SD 15.9 years) participated in a rehabilitation program composed of Square Wave Exercise Tests (SWEET) during six weeks. The maximal oxygen uptake, the power output (PO), heart rate (HR) and measures of PE using the Borg CR 10 scale were investigated during a maximal graded test performed before and after the rehabilitation program. During the first SWEET session (SWEET 1) measures of PE and HR (base and peak) were also investigated and compared to the last session (SWEET 2) of the same absolute workload after the 6 weeks. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in both groups for PE between the two maximal graded tests. However, a significant decrease in the PE values (P<0.01) was observed in both groups during the SWEET 2. There was no significant difference in maximal HR between the two graded tests, but a significant decrease in HR (P<0.0001 for base HR and P<0.001 for peak HR) was observed in SWEET 2 compared to 1. The maximal tolerated power (MTP) and the peak oxygen uptake increased significantly in both healthy and paraplegic groups (P<0.0001 and P<0.05 respectively) after the 6 weeks of rehabilitation exercise. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that PE could be used to control the exercise intensity during a rehabilitation training program for paraplegics, similar to healthy subjects. The increase in the peak oxygen uptake and MTP demonstrates the positive effects of the rehabilitation program on the physical fitness of the subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Muscular efficiency during arm cranking and wheelchair exercise: a comparison.

The present study was performed to compare various individual muscular efficiency indices, i. e., gross (GE), net (NE), work (WE), and delta (DE), during arm cranking ergometer (ACE) and wheelchair ergometer (WERG) exercise at the same relative exercise intensities. Following a maximal test on both the ACE and WERG, 15 able-bodied subjects completed 4 submaximal bouts at 0, 40, 55 and 70 % of the mode-specific VO(2) peak. The peak power output and VO(2) values were significantly higher with ACE than WERG maximal exercise. As a consequence, the power output imposed during WERG submaximal bouts was significantly lower compared to ACE submaximal bouts. ACE exercise was found to elicit a significantly higher (p < 0.001) VO(2) (16 to 28 vs 14 to 23 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)), GE (9 to 11 vs 6 to 9 %) and NE (14 to 13 vs 10 to 11 %) compared to WERG exercise at power output from 40 to 70 % VO(2) peak, respectively. However, WE (17 to 15 vs 17 to 14 % at 40 to 55 % VO(2)peak) and DE (12 to 13 vs 12 to 12 % at Delta 40 - 55 % to Delta 55 - 70 % VO(2) peak) values were similar between ACE and WERG exercise. The lower GE and NE observed during WERG compared to ACE exercise could be explained by the biomechanical disadvantages of the hand-rim WERG pattern movement. These findings also supported that the different indices of efficiency influenced the interpretation of the comparison between ACE and WERG propulsion.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Interval training program on a wheelchair ergometer for paraplegic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Various combinations of training intensity, duration and frequency are often proposed to people with spinal cord injuries in order to improve their fitness. However, no consensus about a specific training program has been reached for such a population. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of a short interval training program specifically designed for patients with spinal cord injuries. METHODS: Paraplegic men performed 30-min wheelchair ergometry three times per week, for 4 weeks. Maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied before and after the training program with an incremental test (10 W/2 min) until volitional fatigue and a constant work rate test, respectively. Cardiorespiratory responses were continuously studied during each of these tests. RESULTS: Training induced significant improvement in maximal tolerated power (+27.9%), and in peak oxygen consumption ([VO2, +18.5%). After training the subjects were able to maintain the load applied during the constant test (total mechanical work +210.7%), for a significantly longer time. The heart rate, [VO2 and ventilation values observed when the volunteers ended their first constant load test were significantly higher (+10%, +10%, +40% respectively) than those obtained after a similar time period during the second constant load test which was performed after the training program. CONCLUSION: After this short training period, with an appropriate combination of different types of training, duration, intensity and frequency exercises, we observed a significant improvement in the fitness level and endurance capacity of paraplegic subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Specific and transfer effects induced by arm or leg training.

The purpose of the present study was to examine both the specific and the transfer effects of a Square Wave Endurance Exercise Test (SWEET) and to investigate the determining factors of transfer effect. A control group (CG, n = 5) and 2 experimental groups were studied. Experimental groups completed 3 days/week a 45 min SWEET over 6 weeks, either with the arms using a wheelchair ergometer (AG, n = 5) or with the legs using a cycling ergometer (LG, n = 5). All subjects performed before and after training two maximal progressive tests: the first one with the arms and the second with the legs. During those tests oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and cardiorespiratory parameters were continuously measured. Specific effects (changes between the tests performed with trained limbs) were observed: the peak power output (W(p)) and VO(2) were significantly increased by both arm (+ 66 %, + 35 %) and leg (+ 17 %, + 14 %) training. At ventilatory threshold (VT), power output (W) and VO(2) were significantly increased with arm (+ 145 % and + 51 %) and leg (+ 53 % and + 46 %) training. Transfer effects (changes between pre and post tests performed with untrained limbs) were observed: W(p) and VO(2) were not increased in AG while W(p) was increased in LG (+ 11 %). At VT, W and VO(2) were increased with arm (+ 19 % and + 23 %) and leg (+ 33 % and + 46 %) training. For AG and LG the VO(2) expressed in percent of the VO(2) peak was increased (+ 19 % and + 33 %, respectively) and the O(2p) was also increased (+ 30 %) for LG. These results show that SWEET training induced specific and transfer effects. Moreover, the initial level of the subjects, the type and the intensity of the training seem to be the major factors for effective observable transfer effects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Effects of an interval training programme of the upper limbs on a wheelchair ergometer in able-bodied subjects.

The effects of a 6 weeks interval training with a wheelchair ergometer on the power and endurance of the upper limbs (UL) were studied in ten young able-bodied males. All subjects performed a maximal progressive test (10 W/2 min) on a wheelchair ergometer to measure the ventilation (VE), respiratory exchanges (VO2, VCO2) and oxygen pulse (O2p) at the maximal tolerated power (MTP) and ventilatory threshold (VT). Endurance capacity was measured with the tailored 45 min Square Wave Endurance Exercise Test (SWEET) from MTP and VT. Arm and forearm perimeters, diameters and skinfold thickness were also measured. The subjects were divided into a control group (CG n = 5) and a training group (TG n = 5; 3 SWEET sessions/week/6-week) with matched physical characteristics. Training the UL resulted in significant increases of parameters at MTP (power + 63%, peak VO2 + 33%, O2 pulse + 25%) and at VT (power + 125%, VO2 + 48%, O2 pulse + 33%). The UL diameter and perimeter significantly increased, and the skinfold thickness decreased. None of these variables showed a significant change in the CG. We conclude that this training improves specific force and endurance of the UL, by acting centrally as reflected by oxygen pulse increase, as well as peripherally as shown by morphologic changes.

Adolescent↗