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Biomedical subjects

Oded Bar-Or

Publications and source records attributed to Oded Bar-Or.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Lymphocyte expression of CD95 at rest and in response to acute exercise in healthy children and adolescents.

CD95 is essential in regulating the immune system, and its reduced expression has been associated with anthracycline resistance in some childhood leukemias. We determined whether an acute bout of exercise would influence the mixed lymphocyte expression of CD95 in healthy children and adolescents. Fifty healthy pediatric subjects (female n=25) cycled for 60 min @ 70% V O(2max). Blood was collected before, during, and after exercise to determine CD95 expression on T (CD3(+)CD19(-)) and B (CD3(-)CD19(+)) cells using flow cytometry. At rest, the percentage of CD95(hi) T cells was 29% higher in girls versus boys (p<0.001). The percentage of CD95(hi) T cells and the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD95(hi) were higher during recovery versus rest (p<0.0001). The percentage of CD95(lo) T cells was lower during recovery versus rest, whereas the MFI of CD95(lo) was higher during exercise versus rest. The CD95(hi) T cell count increased during exercise, but only in 14-yr-old girls, whereas CD95(lo) T cell counts increased similarly in all groups. CD95(+) B cells were relatively unresponsive to exercise. We conclude that lymphocyte expression of CD95 is influenced by acute exercise in healthy children and adolescents. Exercise-induced alterations in CD95 expression may have clinical implications for some pediatric conditions.

Adolescent↗

Sex-based effects on the distribution of NK cell subsets in response to exercise and carbohydrate intake in adolescents.

Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation and female sex independently influence the natural killer (NK) cell response to acute exercise. Consequently, this study sought to elucidate sex-based differences in the distribution of NK cell subsets (i.e., CD56dim and CD56bright) in response to exercise and CHO intake. Twenty-two healthy 14-yr-old girls (n = 11) and boys (n = 11) cycled for 60 min at 70% maximal oxygen consumption while drinking 6% CHO (CT) or flavored water (WT). Blood was collected at rest, during exercise (30 and 60 min), and during recovery (30 and 60 min) to identify CD3- CD56dim and CD3- CD56bright NK cells. The activation marker CD69 was also determined on CD3- CD56+ cells. CD56dim responses, expressed as proportions or cell counts, were greater (P < or = 0.01) in girls by 67 and 105%, respectively. CD56bright cell counts (P = 0.006), but not CD56bright proportions (P = 0.89), were greater in girls by 82%. Both CD56dim and CD56bright subset responses, expressed as proportions or cell counts, were lower (P < or = 0.01) in CT vs. WT by 33-36%. The CD56bright-to-CD56dim ratio decreased at 30 min of exercise but increased during recovery (P < 0.001), with no effect of sex or CHO. Regardless of trial, CD3- CD56+ cells expressed approximately 18% higher levels of CD69 during recovery in girls but not boys (P = 0.03), despite similar proportions and counts of CD69+ cells. These results demonstrate sex-based differences in the distribution of NK cell subsets and activation status in response to exercise, but not CHO intake, and further support the need to control for sex in exercise immunology studies.

Adolescent↗

Overweight children reduce their activity levels earlier in life than healthy weight children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in the time overweight and nonoverweight youth spend on light, moderate, hard, and very hard activity plus gender and age differences in activity patterns. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study was a cross-sectional design in a primary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 197 children and adolescents (4-16 years) participated. The overweight group (n = 107) were on a waiting list for an obesity treatment program and were defined as overweight, with a body mass index >95th percentile, and the nonoverweight group (n = 90) were volunteers recruited via advertisements and had a body mass index <75th percentile. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To determine activity patterns and perception of activity level, an interview was conducted with the child and a parent using a validated 7-day recall. Body fat was measured with bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between adiposity and total amount of activity performed, with the amount of moderate activity the best predictor of obesity. Girls did less activity than boys whether overweight or not. Between the ages of 4 and 7 years, overweight and nonoverweight subjects did similar amounts of activity. In the older subjects, the activity of the overweight was less than in nonoverweight. The overweight subjects perceived themselves to be just as active as others their same age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians need to be aware that overweight children and adolescents are less active than nonoverweight children at an earlier age, particularly females, but feel that their activity level is similar to that of nonobese children.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Immunological changes in response to exercise: influence of age, puberty, and gender.

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that exercise-induced perturbation and recovery of the immune system would vary with age, puberty, and gender in healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: Twelve-year-old girls (YG; N = 14) and boys (YB; N = 20), and 14-yr-old girls (OG; N = 11) and boys (OB; N = 13) cycled for 60 min at 70% VO2max. Blood was collected before, at 30 and 60 min of exercise, and at 30 and 60 min of recovery to measure total leukocytes, leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, and cytokines. Age and pubertal (Tanner stage) effects within genders and gender effects within age and pubertal groups were determined. RESULTS: Exercise-induced increases in lymphocytes, CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts, and IL-6 were approximately 83, 90, and 390% greater in OG versus YG (P < 0.05). Recovery leukocytosis and neutrophilia were approximately 56 and 35% greater in OB versus YB (P < 0.05). Pubertal stage did not have a statistically significant influence on responses in girls, but the lowest pubertal stage consistently showed smaller changes in lymphocytes and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts. Recovery neutrophilia was approximately 120% greater in postpubertal boys versus prepubertal or pubertal boys (P < 0.05). Responses of lymphocytes and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts, respectively, were approximately 120 and 82% greater in OG versus OB (P < 0.05), with no differences between YG and YB. Exercise-induced increases in total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts were at least 35% greater in girls versus boys of similar pubertal status (P < 0.05). Regardless of age, puberty, or gender, IL-8 levels were significantly higher during recovery versus rest (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the need to control for age, puberty, and gender when interpreting immunologic responses to exercise in a pediatric population.

Adolescent↗

Puberty effects on NK cell responses to exercise and carbohydrate intake in boys.

UNLABELLED: Previous research has demonstrated that younger versus older animals and humans experience smaller perturbations in natural killer (NK) cells in response to physiological stress. PURPOSE: To determine whether the smaller perturbations in NK cells induced by strenuous exercise and carbohydrate (CHO) intake, previously reported in children, are influenced by puberty. METHODS: Twenty 12-yr-old boys, distinguished as prepubertal (Tanner (T) 1, N = 7), early pubertal (T2, N = 7), or pubertal (T3-5, N = 6), cycled for 60 min at 70% VO(2max) while drinking 6% CHO (CT) or flavored water (WT). Blood was collected at rest and during (30 and 60 min) and following (30 and 60 min) exercise to identify NK cells as CD3(-)CD56(dim) or CD3(-)CD56(dim). CD69 expression on CD3(-)CD56(+) cells was also determined. RESULTS: A puberty x CHO x exercise interaction was found for the proportion, but not number, of CD56(dim) cells (P = 0.06). CD56(dim) cell counts were lower in CT versus WT (P < 0.001). Responses of CD56(bright) proportions (P = 0.007) and counts (P = 0.03) depended on pubertal status, but not CHO. The CD56(bright):CD56(dim) ratio remained stable during exercise, but during recovery was higher in T1 and T3-5 versus T2 (P = 0.08) and in CT versus WT (P = 0.04). During recovery, CD3(-)CD56(+) cells expressed higher levels of CD69 (P = 0.01), with no change in the proportion of CD69(+) cells. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the influence of puberty on the distribution of NK cell subsets in response to exercise and CHO intake. Increased CD69 expression suggests that NK cells increase activation status during recovery from physiological stress.

Antigens, CD↗

Relationship between summer vacation weight gain and lack of success in a pediatric weight control program.

The purpose was to measure the effect of holidays or season on changes in body weight to determine if this was the reason for the low success rate of weight control program participants. Changes in percent ideal body weight were gathered on 73 overweight youth (average age: 10.5+/-2.8 years; percent ideal body weight: 150+/-28%) over 2-month intervals in a 1-year time span. There was a statistically significant gain in percentage of body weight during July-August compared to January-February at p<0.004, March-April at p<0.04, May-June at p<0.001 and September-October at p<0.04. Sixty-six percent of subjects gained weight during the summer months. When the subjects who lost weight in the summer period were removed from the analysis, the average weight gain was 2.8% of ideal body weight. For a weight control program for children and adolescents to be effective, strategies need to be developed to deal with the summer vacation period as this can affect the overall success in the program.

Achievement↗

Aerobic and lung performance in premature children with and without chronic lung disease of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: This study intended to identify pulmonary and exercise-related effects of chronic lung disease of infancy (CLD) versus prematurity (PRE) without CLD in children 5 to 7 years old who were born prematurely (24-30 weeks of gestation) with very low and extremely low birthweight of 500 to 1500 g (VLBW, ELBW). SUBJECTS: Seventeen CLD and 14 PRE were compared with 24 term controls (CON). The premature children had no overt manifestations of a neuromuscular disease. METHODS: Pulmonary function at rest and following exercise, and aerobic exercise performance were measured. RESULTS: Peak [latin capital V with dot above]O2 and maximal aerobic power were not different among the groups, but O2 uptake at a given mechanical power was higher in the CLD than in PRE and in CON (P < 0.05). At rest, forced vital capacity was significantly lower in CLD than in PRE (P < 0.05) and CON (P < 0.0005), and FEV1 and FEF25-75 were lower in CLD than CON (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.005, respectively). Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) was more prevalent among the 2 premature groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our children 5 to 7 years old born at VLBW or ELBW, with or without CLD, have some degree of pulmonary dysfunction at rest and following exercise and a higher prevalence of EIB with no reduction in maximal aerobic exercise performance. The findings suggest that the pulmonary limitations are associated with low birthweight even in the absence of CLD. The higher O2 uptake at a given mechanical power in the CLD group may cause early fatigability during prolonged exercise, even when aerobic performance is normal.

Body Mass Index↗

Habitual physical activity levels are associated with biomechanical walking economy in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy the relationship between habitual physical activity and biomechanical treadmill walking economy and whether treadmill belt speed or walking time affect economy. DESIGN: Physical activity was measured in 11 subjects (10.6-16.3 yrs) with mild cerebral palsy using a triaxial accelerometer. To determine biomechanical walking economy, subjects' stride lengths and vertical sacral excursions were measured during each minute of three 3-min walks on a treadmill (at 60%, 75%, and 90% of individually determined fastest treadmill walking speed). RESULTS: Biomechanical walking economy at 60%, 75%, and 90% of (their) fastest speed each explained about half of the intersubject variance in daily physical activity (movement counts). A similar relationship was found between these biomechanical walking economy variables and movement counts at or above the 80th and 90th percentile (total minutes per day, number of 5-min bouts per day). Walking economy was 23.9% higher when subjects walked at 90% than when they walked at 60% of their fastest walking speed. No other speed-related effects on economy were found, nor did time affect economy. CONCLUSIONS: Within this population, those with high biomechanical treadmill walking economy are the more habitually physically active. Treadmill belt speed, but not walking time, affects biomechanical walking economy.

Adolescent↗

Effect of ipratropium bromide on EIB in children depends on vagal activity.

PURPOSE: Ipratropium bromide (IB) has been used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), but its effect varies among individuals. We hypothesized that such variability may reflect individual differences in vagal activity (VA), and therefore determined whether a correlation exists between VA and the effect of IB on EIB in 13.0 (+/-0.8)-yr-old children with asthma and documented EIB. METHODS: Subjects served as their own control and were tested on three occasions in an ambient temperature of 5 degrees C. Visit I included no treatment. In visits II and III (counterbalanced sequence) subjects inhaled either 500 microg IB or 0.9% NaCl as a placebo, 45 min before exercise provocation. Investigators and the subjects were blinded to the inhaled substance. VA was assessed by a 4-s exercise test (3). The ratio of resting ECG R-R-interval at full inspiration to the lowest R-R interval during 4-s cycling was taken as an index of VA. Eight-minute cycling at constant work rate (HR=173+/-4 bpm) at 5 degrees C was used to provoke EIB. A two-factor (treatment x time) repeated-measures ANOVA was used. RESULTS: The exercise-induced drop in FEV1 was similar in the three sessions. However, because the IB caused a 15.7+/-4.1 increase in FEV1 preexercise, the postexercise values after a placebo or no treatment were consistently lower than after IB. The beneficial response to IB, compared with no treatment and with placebo, was positively correlated to VA (for FEV1: r=0.91, P=0.002; and r=0.90, P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the therapeutic effect of IB on exercise-induced asthma may be related to vagal activity.

Adolescent↗

Physical activity level is associated with the O2 cost of walking in cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To determine, in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), the relationship between physical activity level (PAL) and i) oxygen cost of walking, and ii) peak VO2. METHODS: In 11 subjects (10.6-16.3 yr) with mild CP, PAL, the ratio of total energy expenditure to resting energy expenditure, was determined from 3 d of heart rate (HR) monitoring (field), with individual HR-VO2 calibrations done in the lab. The oxygen cost of walking was measured during three 3-min walks on a treadmill at 60, 75, and 90% of each subject's fastest treadmill walking speed (FWS). Subjects also performed a maximal treadmill exercise test. Alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS: One subject was an outlier and eliminated from all simple linear regression analyses. For the remaining 10 subjects, PAL (1.37+/-0.18) was related (r=-0.70 to -0.84) to net VO2 at 60 and 75% FWS (13.1+/-4.1 and 16.2+/-4.2 mL.kg.min), net VO2.m, averaged across the three speeds (0.32+/-0.23 mL.kg.m), and percent peak VO2 at all three speeds (54.5+/-21.5, 63.5+/-20.9, and 75.5+/-15.1%). PAL was not significantly related to net VO2 at 90% FWS (20.8+/-5.3 mL.kg.min) or to peak VO2 (34.0+/-9.2 mL.kg.min). CONCLUSION: For this population, those with low PAL may also have a high oxygen cost of walking. These individuals' PAL was not related to their peak VO2. Further research is required to determine whether interventions that decrease the oxygen cost of walking also affect PAL and whether changes in PAL affect the oxygen cost of walking.

Adolescent↗

Immune responses to strenuous exercise and carbohydrate intake in boys and men.

Few studies describe immune responses to exercise in children, compared with adults, and none have investigated the influence of carbohydrate (CHO) intake. We hypothesized less perturbation and a faster recovery of the immune system with exercise in children, regardless of supplemental energy. Twelve boys (9.8 +/- 0.1 y) and 10 men (22.1 +/- 0.5 y) cycled for 60 min at 70% o(2max) while drinking 6% CHO (CHO-T) or flavored water (FW-T). Blood samples were collected before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 60 min after (REC) exercise. Boys, compared with men, had smaller (p < 0.05) increases in total leukocytes (28% versus 38%), natural killer (NK) cells (78% versus 236%), and NK T cells (42% versus 128%) at POST, averaged across beverage trials. Exercise did not increase tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but significantly (p < 0.05) increased IL-6 in men (189%), but not in boys (11%). In both trials, lymphocytes and T cells at REC were suppressed (p < 0.05), relative to PRE, in men (-21%), but not in boys (4%). IL-6 remained elevated ( p< 0.001) in men at REC, with no change from POST in boys. In boys, but not in men, CHO significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated increases in neutrophil, lymphocyte, and NK cell counts at POST. Neutrophils at REC in CHO-T were lower (p < 0.05) than in FW-T in men ( approximately 25%) and in boys ( approximately 17%). CHO had no effect on TNF-alpha or IL-6 in either group. Our results indicate a distinct pattern of the immune response to exercise and CHO intake in boys, compared with men.

Adult↗

Responses of children with cerebral palsy to arm-crank exercise in the heat.

PURPOSE: In response to passive heating, adults with hemispheric brain infarction demonstrate lower skin temperatures (Tsk) and higher sweating rates (SR) on the affected side. It is unknown whether children with similar conditions demonstrate a similar response and whether this response is advantageous to defending body temperature during exercise in the heat. The purpose of this study was to determine whether children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) demonstrate less thermal strain than healthy peers during short (10 min each) bouts of arm cranking, a mode of exercise where metabolic rate can be matched between the two groups. METHODS: Eleven young people (8.3-18.3 yr) with spastic CP and 11 individually matched (body size, age, and maturity) healthy controls (CON) performed 3 x 10-min arm-cranking bouts (40 rpm) in 35 degrees C, 50% RH. Body mass, metabolic and heart rate (HR) responses, and body temperatures were periodically measured. Individuals within each CP-CON pair worked at the same intensity (0.55 +/- 0.18 W.kg-1 body mass). Data were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Subjects with CP showed no difference from CON in metabolic and HR responses, or SR (as inferred from body mass changes corrected for fluid intake and output). There were also no differences between the groups in the rectal temperature change from room temperature (21-23 degrees C). The increase in Tsk from room temperature, however, was slightly (0.6 degrees C) but significantly lower (P < 0.0001; 95% CI = 0.5-0.7 degrees C) in the subjects with CP compared with CON. CONCLUSION: Subjects with CP demonstrate thermal strain responses similar to CON during upper-body exercise at relatively low intensities for short duration in a warm climate.

Adolescent↗

Facial cooling enhances exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

PURPOSE: Exercising in cold air enhances bronchial responsiveness (BR) as compared with exercising in warm air. This may be due to intrathoracic cooling or to increased vagal activity caused by facial cooling. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on BR of cold air inhalation and of facial exposure to cold air, as well as the combined effect of both. METHODS: Fourteen children with asthma (eight girls) performed four exercise challenge tests in a climatic chamber, under one of the following conditions: 1) inhaling warm air while the face was exposed to warm air (WW, 21 degrees C, 25% relative humidity (RH)); 2) inhaling warm air while the face was exposed to cold air (WC, 0 degrees C, 80% RH); 3) inhaling cold air while the face was exposed to cold air (CC); and 4) inhaling cold air while the face was exposed to warm air (CW). The study was analyzed, using a one- and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Postexercise forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) values as percent predicted (% pred) showed significant reductions over time (P < 0.001), significant differences among the four experimental conditions (P < 0.001) and a significant condition x time interaction (FEV1:P < 0.001, MMEF:P < 0.01). FEV1 was significantly lower for CC and WC, as compared with WW and CW at 5 and 10 min postexercise. The lowest postexercise values for FEV1 occurred in the CC and WC sessions (76% predicted in both). A similar pattern was obtained for MMEF. CONCLUSION: Facial cooling combined with either cold or warm air inhalation causes the greatest EIB, as compared with the isolated challenge with cold air inhalation. We suggest that vagal mechanisms play a major role in exercise and cold-induced bronchoconstriction.

Analysis of Variance↗

Responses of children with cerebral palsy to treadmill walking exercise in the heat.

PURPOSE: When metabolic rate during arm-cranking in the heat is equated between children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and matched controls (CON), there are no relevant intergroup differences in heat strain. The metabolic rate, however, is known to be higher in CP during treadmill walking. The purpose of this study was to determine if during treadmill walking in the heat, the higher oxygen uptake (VO2), and thus greater metabolic heat production in those with CP would result in greater heat strain compared with able-bodied, matched CON. METHODS: Ten boys and girls (10.3-16.3 yr) with spastic CP and 10 individually matched (age, body size, biological maturity, gender, race) healthy CON performed 3 x 10-min treadmill walking bouts in 35 degrees C, 50% RH. Body mass, metabolic variables, heart rate (HR), body temperatures, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were periodically measured. Individuals within each CP-CON pair walked at the same speed and slope (0.9 +/- 0.4 m x s(-1), 3.3 +/- 0.6%). RESULTS: Steady-state VO2 during walking, body temperatures, and HR were all higher in the CP group compared with CON. VO2 was on average 40% higher, rectal temperature was 0.4 degrees C (99% CI = 0.1-0.6 degrees C) higher and HR (during the final minute of each exercise bout) was 37 beats x min(-1) (99% CI = 19-56 beats x min(-1)) higher. There were no differences between the groups in sweating rate (as inferred from body mass changes corrected for fluid intake and output) or in RPE. CONCLUSION: The subjects with CP demonstrated greater thermal strain than CON during treadmill walking where they require more metabolic energy and thus produce more metabolic heat than CON.

Adolescent↗

Temperature regulation during rest and exercise in the cold in premenarcheal and menarcheal girls.

Temperature regulation during exercise in the cold was examined in 13 adolescent female individuals, aged 13-18 yr. Six girls with established menstrual cycles comprised the eumenorrheic menarcheal (EM) group, and seven nonmenstruating girls comprised the premenarcheal (PM) group. During the first visit, maximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2 max)), height, weight, and percent body fat were measured. The second visit included a determination of metabolic rate in thermoneutrality (21 degrees C), consisting of a 10-min rest period and 20 min of cycling (30% of Vo(2 max)), and a cold test (5 degrees C, 40% humidity, <0.3 m/s air velocity) involving a 20-min rest period and 40 min of cycling (30% of Vo(2 max)). Subjects in the EM group were tested twice in the chamber: once during the follicular and once during the luteal phase. Heat production per kilogram in thermoneutrality and in the cold was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the PM compared with the EM girls. However, the PM girls had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower core temperature in the cold than the EM group. PM girls also had a significantly higher body surface area-to-mass ratio compared with the EM girls. Although percent body fat between groups was not significantly different, within the PM group percent body fat explained 79% (P < 0.01) of the variance in the decrease of core temperature. There were no menstrual phase-related differences in temperature regulation in either the thermoneutral or cold environment. In conclusion, menstrual phase does not influence temperature regulation in female individuals during adolescence. EM girls had lower metabolic heat production but maintained their core temperature more effectively in the cold than did the PM girls. This thermoregulatory difference between PM and EM girls is mainly a function of geometric differences with maturation-related peripheral vasoconstrictive differences maybe limiting the effectiveness of the mechanism of increased heat storage in younger female individuals.

Adolescent↗

Food away from home, sugar-sweetened drink consumption and juvenile obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To identify if particular foods or food groups may be associated with obesity in children and adolescents and to determine if consuming food away from home (FAFH) has an effect on the nutritional quality of their diets. DESIGN: One-year cross-sectional study. SETTING/SUBJECTS: The obese subjects (n = 91) were on the waiting list for a hospital-based weight control treatment program. The non-obese subjects (n = 90) were recruited from community advertisements. MEASURES OF OUTCOME: Information on food intake was obtained using the dietary history method by a Registered Dietitian. Body fat was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: Obese children and adolescents consumed significantly more servings of meat and alternatives, grain products, FAFH, sugar-sweetened drinks and potato chips which contributed to a higher calorie, fat and sugar intake compared to non-obese children and adolescents. Sugar-sweetened drinks were only significantly greater in boys. The consumption of meat servings, sugar-sweetened drinks and FAFH was positively correlated with percent body fat. The frequency of food consumed outside of the Canada's Food Guide To Healthy Eating was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children and adolescents need to limit their access to food consumed away from home and sugar-sweetened drinks as there is a relationship between these foods and body fatness.

Adipose Tissue↗