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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Physical performance of elite New Zealand Olympic class sailors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the physical performance of elite New Zealand and other nations olympic class sailors and to undertake an initial examination of the relation between physical and sailing performance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A comparative study. SETTING: Healthy elite national level olympic class sailors were examined. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one elite New Zealand Olympic sailing squad team members and 108 Olympic team sailors from ten other nations. INTERVENTIONS: The data for the two groups of subjects was compared using unpaired "t"-tests. A qualitative analysis was used to examine the relation between physical and sailing performance. MEASURES: Measurements included age, body mass, muscular strength endurance (as assessed by the maximum number of push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups that could be performed) and serobic power (as assessed by the time taken to cover 2500 m and the distance completed in 12 minutes in a maximal effort rowing ergometer test). Sailing performance was assessed by national coach ranking of each New Zealand sailor. RESULTS: On average the New Zealanders were younger and lighter than the sailors from the other nations. They tended to have greater shoulder/arm strength endurance as reflected in their performance for push-ups and pull-ups, but a lesser ability in their sit-up performance. They also tended to be aerobically fitter. There were clear and logical differences between body mass and both class of vessel and the position of the sailor i.c. crew or helmsman. Lighter sailors sailed lighter craft whilst heavier sailors sailed the heavier craft. Crew members were generally heavier than helmsmen. Age appeared to be related to sailing performance. CONCLUSIONS: Elite New Zealand Olympic class sailors tend to be younger, lighter, stronger and aerobically fitter than elite sailors from other nations. Age appeared to be related to on-water sailing performance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Physical performance is maintained in women consuming only foods used on the U.S. Space Shuttle.

In-flight reductions in caloric intake, body weight, lean body mass (LBM), aerobic capacity, and other measures of physical performance have been consistent findings in the U.S. and Russian space programs. The diet provided for astronauts in space has been suggested as a possible contributor to these changes because food selection, preparation, and storage facilities are limited on spacecraft. In this ground-based study, consuming only foods used on the Space Shuttle for 28 d did not affect aerobic capacity, LBM, or measures of muscle strength or endurance in 12 healthy women (ages 28-47 years). However, normal consumption patterns were affected by restriction to the Space Shuttle diet, namely a proportional increase in carbohydrate consumed, with compensatory decreases in protein and fat. These results suggest that physical performance and LBM can be maintained under normal gravity conditions in active women who consume a Space Shuttle food-system diet for 28 d.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Physical performance and skeletal muscle characteristics after 2-week hind-limb unweighting.

It is well-known that 2 weeks of hind-limb suspension or space flight induce the sufficient decrease of the physical performance and simultaneously changes of muscle contractile properties and fiber size. However, the data on enzyme activities changes at present are contradictory. Numerous authors have pointed to the increase, reduction of its activity as well as its stability after experiments of the similar design. In previous studies it was shown that beta-GPA (beta-guanidino-propionic acid) administration increased the oxidative enzyme activities in the skeletal muscles and improved their contractile properties in hind-limb suspended rats. The aim of our study is to clear out what determines changes of the physical performance after 2 weeks of hind-limb suspension and beta-GPA administration.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Endurance exercise training during haemodialysis improves strength, power, fatigability and physical performance in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Endurance training improves cardiopulmonary fitness in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). Because many MHD patients are profoundly deconditioned and exhibit significant muscle weakness, endurance training may also improve muscle strength and physical performance in these patients. This study assessed this possibility. METHODS: Twelve MHD patients performed incremental and constant work rate cycle exercise tests to determine peak work rate, VO(2)peak and endurance time (ET). Lower extremity strength, power and fatigability, stair-climbing time, 10 m walk time and a timed up-and-go were assessed before and after 8.6+/-2.3 weeks of thrice weekly, progressive, semi-recumbent, leg-cycle training during haemodialysis. Initial training intensity and duration targets were set at 50% peak work rate (WR) and 20 min, respectively, with a goal of progressing to 40 min at the highest WR tolerable. Non-exercising MHD patients and healthy volunteers with similar age, gender and race/ethnicity served as comparison groups. RESULTS: None of the subjects tolerated the initial target intensity. Therefore, WR was reduced to 19+/-9 watts (30% of peak WR) for 19.9 min/session. At end of training, subjects cycled at 29+/-25 watts (46% initial peak WR; P = 0.01) for 38+/-8 min (P<0.001). VO(2)peak and ET improved 22% (P = 0.018) and 144% (P = 0.001), respectively. Quadriceps strength, power and fatigability improved 16% (P = 0.002), 15% (P = 0.115) and 43% (P = 0.029), respectively. The three measures of physical performance improved by 14-17% (P<0.031). Total work performed in training increased by 5.5+/-21.1 kJ/week (17%); a 165% increase during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Nine weeks of leg-cycling during haemodialysis in MHD patients improves not only cardiopulmonary fitness and endurance but also muscle strength, power, fatigability and physical function. These data underscore the value of endurance training in MHD.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Long-term effects of home rehabilitation on physical performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A pilot study was set up to assess the long-term effects of once weekly versus once monthly follow-up of pulmonary rehabilitation after a comprehensive home rehabilitation program on physical performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during an 18-mo period. Thirty-six patients with a mean FEV1 of 1.3 +/- 0.4 L (43% pred) were included in the study. Groups A and B (n = 23) visited the physical therapist twice weekly for 3 mo. Thereafter, 11 patients (Group A) had a follow-up of pulmonary rehabilitation once a week, and 12 patients (Group B) had a follow-up once a month. Thirteen patients received no rehabilitation at all (Group C). Long-term home rehabilitation does not appear to improve exercise tolerance; however, on the other hand, there is a deterioration in vital capacity (p < 0.01), walking distance (p < 0.01), and maximal work load (p < 0.05), as shown in the control group. A small improvement in exertional dyspnea (p < 0.01) after 18 mo and inspiratory muscle function (p < 0.05) after 12 mo was shown only in Group A. Because of the insufficient number of patients enrolled in this pilot study, no clear benefit on physical performance of long-term home rehabilitation with either weekly or monthly supervision could be demonstrated.

Exercise Test↗

PubMed2002

Chronometric comparisons of imagery to action: visualizing versus physically performing springboard dives.

Motor imagery research emphasizes similarities between the mental imagery of an action and its physical execution. In this study, temporal differences between motor imagery and its physical performance as a function of performer expertise, skill complexity, and spatial ability were investigated. Physical execution times for springboard dives were compared with visualized execution times. Results indicate that physical and visualized performance times were not identical: Their relation is a function of dive complexity and diver expertise, but not their interaction. Relative to physical time, visualization time increased with increased complexity, suggesting the involvement of capacity-limited working memory. A nonmonotonic relation was found for expertise: Unlike experts or novices, visualization time for intermediates was significantly slower than physical time. These temporal differences are most consistent with schematic differences in skill representation. Intermediates may be relatively slowed by greater amounts of nonautomatized knowledge, as compared with the automatized knowledge of experts or the sparse knowledge of novices.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The Physical Performance Test as a predictor of frequent fallers: a prospective community-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a risk model in order to identify elderly individuals at risk of frequent falling. DESIGN: Prospective community-based cohort study over 12 months. SETTING: Baseline measures were performed at a local community centre. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and sixty-three community-dwelling elderly people (mean age 72 years). MEASUREMENTS: A variety of variables were evaluated, including medical, psychological, sensory, physical and postural control measurements. Fall incidence was monitored retrospectively and during one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacia was the most prominent medical fall predictor with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.29 (P= 0.005), poor visual acuity the best sensory predictor (OR = 0.84; P= 0.009) and general fear of falling the most crucial psychological predictor (OR = 3.25; P< 0.001). Increased postural sway in near-tandem stance with eyes open was selected as the best balance predictor for falls (OR = 5.60; P= 0.010), followed by delayed anteroposterior movement velocity during rhythmic weight shifts (OR = 0.42; P= 0.004). The best physical predictor was a low score on the Physical Performance Test (OR =4.16; P< 0.001), followed by decreased maximal handgrip strength (OR = 0.87; P< 0.001) and increased timed chair-stands (OR = 1.13; P= 0.003). Step-by-step regression analysis revealed a risk model for the prediction of future falls, as a combination of the Physical Performance Test and maximal handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the multicausality of falls, since medical, psychological, sensory, postural control as well as physical variables provides a predictive value. The composed fall risk model was mainly physically oriented.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2003

Resistance training on physical performance in disabled older female cardiac patients.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the value of resistance training on measures of physical performance in disabled older women with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The study intervention consisted of a 6-month program of resistance training in a randomized controlled trial format. Training intensity was at 80% of the single-repetition maximal lift. Control patients performed light yoga and breathing exercises. Study participants included 42 women with CHD, all >or= 65 yr of age and community dwelling. Subjects were screened by questionnaire to have low self-reported physical function. The primary study measurements related to the performance of 16 household activities of the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test (CSPFP). These ranged from dressing, to kitchen and cleaning activities, to carrying groceries and walking onto a bus with luggage, and a 6-min walk. Activities were measured in time to complete a task, weight carried during a task, or distance walked. Other measures included body composition, measures of aerobic fitness and strength, and questionnaire-based measures of physical function and depression score. RESULTS: Study groups were similar at baseline by age, aerobic capacity, strength, body composition, and in performing the CSPFP. After conditioning, 13 of 16 measured activities were performed more rapidly, or with increased weight carried, compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). Maximal power for activities that involved weight-bearing over a distance, increased by 40% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Disabled older women with CHD who participate in an intense resistance-training program improve physical capacity over a wide range of household physical activities. Benefits extend beyond strength-related activities, as endurance, balance, coordination, and flexibility all improved. Strength training should be considered an important component in the rehabilitation of older women with CHD.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1997

Iron depletion without anemia and physical performance in young women.

Studies in laboratory animals found that iron deficiency without anemia decreased oxidative capacity and increased reliance on carbohydrate as the substrate for energy, thereby causing impaired endurance. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relation between iron deficiency without anemia and physical performance in healthy active women aged 19-36 y. Iron-status assessment included determination of hemoglobin, hematocrit, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin values. Dietary iron intake was assessed by frequency questionnaires and physical activity level was estimated by frequency questionnaires and 2-wk records. Fifteen women with normal iron status and 15 women with iron depletion (serum ferritin < 12 micrograms/L) were chosen randomly from a group of 69 nonanemic women and given physical-performance tests, including determinations of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), ventilatory threshold, and delta-efficiency. There were no significant differences between the two groups in body size, body composition, physical activity level, dietary iron intake, delta-efficiency, or ventilatory threshold. Compared with the iron-depleted group, the iron-sufficient group had significantly higher hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin values and a significantly greater tendency to use iron supplements. When physical activity level and fat-free mass were controlled for, the iron-depleted group had a significantly lower VO2max. The difference in VO2max was significantly associated with serum ferritin concentration; hemoglobin value was not a significant confounder. Therefore, reduction of VO2max in nonanemic women with iron depletion was likely caused by factors related to reduced body iron storage but was unrelated to decreased oxygen-transport capacity of the blood.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Do depressive symptoms predict declines in physical performance in an elderly, biracial population?

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether depressive symptoms, assessed by the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), predicted change in physical function in elderly adults. METHODS: Participants were from a biracial, population-based sample of adults aged 65 and older (N: 4069; 61% black; 61% female). Physical function was assessed as a summary performance measure of tandem stand, measured walk, and repeated chair stand (mean [standard deviation], 10.3 [3.5]; range, 0-15), commonly used measures of overall physical health in older adults. Generalized estimating equation models estimated physical function across 3 assessments over 5.4 years of follow up as a function of CES-D scores at baseline. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, sex, race, and education, each 1-point higher CES-D score was associated with a 0.34-point lower absolute level of physical performance (p < .0001), but there was no evidence of a CES-D by time interaction (p = .84), indicating that depressive symptoms at baseline were not associated with greater physical performance decline over time. In secondary analyses, with CES-D scores modeled in 4 categories, overall physical performance showed a graded, inverse association across CES-D categories (p's < .0001). However, we observed no threshold effect for depressive symptoms in relation to change in physical performance. Compared with the referent group (CES-D = 0), the 2 middle CES-D categories (CES-D = 1 or 2-3) evidenced some decline in physical performance over time, but the highest CES-D group (CES-D > or =4) showed no significant physical decline over time (p = .89). CONCLUSION: We observed a strong cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and overall physical performance. Physical function declined over time, yet depressive symptoms did not consistently contribute to greater decline over an average of 5.4 years of follow up among older adults. Findings highlight the importance of longitudinal models in understanding the relation between depressive symptomatology and physical health.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

PPARalpha gene variation and physical performance in Russian athletes.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) regulates genes responsible for skeletal and heart muscle fatty acid oxidation. Previous studies have shown that the PPARalpha intron 7 G/C polymorphism was associated with left ventricular growth in response to exercise. We speculated that GG homozygotes should be more prevalent within a group of endurance-oriented athletes, have normal fatty acid metabolism, and increased percentages of slow-twitch fibers. We have tested this hypothesis in the study of a mixed cohort of 786 Russian athletes in 13 different sporting disciplines prospectively stratified by performance (endurance-oriented athletes, power-oriented athletes and athletes with mixed endurance/power activity). PPARalpha intron 7 genotype and allele frequencies were compared to 1,242 controls. We found an increasing linear trend of C allele with increasing anaerobic component of physical performance (P=0.029). GG genotype frequencies in endurance-oriented and power-oriented athletes were 80.3 and 50.6%, respectively, and were significantly (P<0.0001) different compared to controls (70.0%). To examine the association between PPARalpha gene variant and fiber type composition, muscle biopsies from m. vastus lateralis were obtained and analyzed in 40 young men. GG homozygotes (n=25) had significantly (P=0.003) higher percentages of slow-twitch fibers (55.5+/-2.0 vs 38.5+/-2.3%) than CC homozygotes (n=4). In conclusion, PPARalpha intron 7 G/C polymorphism was associated with physical performance in Russian athletes, and this may be explained, in part, by the association between PPARalpha genotype and muscle fiber type composition.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Physical performance and metabolic recovery among lean, healthy men following a prolonged energy deficit.

Previous studies have demonstrated that full recovery from weight loss may take months or years. The present investigation examined short-term recovery (5 wks "post") of physical performance (muscular strength, muscular power, vertical jump), body composition, metabolic hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone binding globulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid binding globulin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone) and metabolic markers (transferrin, ferritin, prealbumin, glycerol, nonesterified fatty acids, high-density lipoproteins, and lactate) in 10 healthy young men after an 8-week Army course with an energy deficit (1000 kcal/d) and loss of body mass (-12%). Subjects ate ad libitum after the course ended ("post"). Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; strength from a simulated power clean, power from body mass and jump height, and metabolic hormones were measured in morning-fasted blood by radioimmunoassay. With the exception of transferrin and glycerol, all study parameters were significantly (p<.05) altered by the training course. At 5 weeks post fat-free mass along with all physical performance measures returned to initial levels; however, fat mass had significantly (p<.05) increased over initial levels. Also, with the exception of lactate, all measured hormones and markers were close to initial levels and within normal ranges. Reported complications during recovery included sleep irregularities, diarrhea, loss of motivation and feelings of fatigue. While the long range effect of this energy deprivation experience is uncertain, these data do suggest that severe weight loss does not result in lasting alterations of the contractile and metabolic properties of skeletal muscle in young, lean, healthy men.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

The prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm among US Army recruits and its effects on physical performance.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To measure the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) and to determine its effect on the physical performance response to training in otherwise healthy young adults. DESIGN: Observational, retrospective study. SETTING: Fort Jackson, SC, May to July 1998. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-seven ethnically diverse US Army recruits undergoing an 8-week Army basic training course. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Subjects underwent exercise challenge testing at the end of basic training to evaluate for EIB (defined as a decrease in FEV(1) of > or = 15%, 1 or 10 min after running to peak oxygen uptake on a treadmill). Those subjects who were unable to run to peak oxygen uptake, or who were unable to perform two baseline FEV(1) maneuvers the results of which were within 5% of each other, were excluded from analysis. We measured peak oxygen uptake on a treadmill and the scores achieved on the components of the US Army physical fitness test (APFT). Of 137 subjects, 121 (58 men and 63 women) met our inclusion criteria. Eight subjects (7%) had EIB. Subjects who experienced EIB and unaffected control subjects both showed statistically significant gains in performance on the APFT events during basic training. At the end of basic training, peak oxygen uptake levels and APFT event scores were not significantly different between subjects with EIB and unaffected control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Seven percent of the US Army recruits who were tested had EIB, but this did not hinder their physical performance gains during basic training. EIB per se should not be an absolute reason to exclude individuals from employment in jobs with heavy physical demands.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Comparative effects of zopiclone and loprazolam on psychomotor and physical performance in active individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Sedative hypnotics are used by athletes to alleviate precompetition anxiety and insomnia. The effects of these agents on exercise tolerance have not been extensively researched. DESIGN: To determine the effects of sedative hypnotics on psychomotor and physical performance, a double-blind, placebo- (P) controlled, cross-over designed trial investigated the effects of zopiclone (Z) and loprazolam (L) on performance in 12 athletes. INTERVENTION: Subjects ingested either P, Z (7.5 mg), or L (2 mg) on three different occasions separated by a 1-week washout period. Eye-hand coordination tests, a 30-m sprint test, an agility test, and a graded treadmill run to exhaustion for determination of VO2max were performed 10 hours after drug administration. RESULTS: Subjects reported a significantly greater hangover effect following ingestion of L (8/11 subjects) compared with ingestion of Z (3/11 subjects; p < 0.01). A greater number of subjects felt alert after ingestion of P (9/11 subjects) and Z (9/11 subjects) compared with L (4/11 subjects; p < 0.01). The results of the eye-hand coordination tests, the 30-m sprint, the T-test, the VO2max, and the time to exhaustion during the treadmill run were not significantly altered following the ingestion of P, Z, and L. There was a significant difference between the delta values for Z and L for the number of missed responses in the eye-hand coordination tests (p < 0.02). Therefore, following the ingestion of L, subjects experienced a significant hangover effect and altered reaction time, whereas the ingestion of Z did not significantly impair either psychomotor or physical performance in the administered tests. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Investigate the extent of the effects of sedative hypnotics on exercise performances, enabling team physicians to prescribe such drugs to the athlete more effectively.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Anthropometry, physical performance, and ultrasound patellar tendon abnormality in elite junior basketball players: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Patellar tendinopathy has been reported to be associated with many intrinsic risk factors. Few have been fully investigated. This cross-sectional study examined the anthropometric and physical performance results of elite junior basketball players with normal or abnormal patellar tendons to see if any measures were associated with changes in tendon morphology. METHODS: Agility, leg strength, endurance, and flexibility were measured in 71 male and 64 female players. A blinded radiologist ultrasonographically examined their patellar tendons and athletes were grouped as having normal or abnormal tendons. One-way ANOVA was used to test for differences in anthropometric and physical performance data for athletes whose tendons were normal or abnormal (unilateral or bilateral tendinopathy) on ultrasound. RESULTS: Results show that females with abnormalities in their tendons had a significantly better vertical jump (50.9+/-6.8 cm) than those with normal tendons (46.1+/-5.4 cm) (p = 0.02). This was not found in males. In males, the mean sit and reach in those with normal tendons (13.2+/-6.7 cm) was greater (p<0.03) than in unilateral tendinopathy (10.3+/-6.2 cm) or in bilateral tendinopathy (7.8+/-8.3 cm). In females, those with normal tendons (13.3+/-4.8 cm) and bilateral tendinopathy (15.8+/-6.2 cm) were distinctly different from those with unilateral tendinopathy (7.9+/-6.6 cm). CONCLUSION: Flexibility and vertical jump ability are associated with patellar tendinopathy and the findings warrant consideration when managing young, jumping athletes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Comparison of gender and group differences in self-report and physical performance measures in total hip and knee arthroplasty candidates.

Functional measures (fast self-paced walk test, stair climb, and timed up and go) and a self-report measure of function (Lower Extremity Activity Profile) were assessed in 1,805 total hip (761) and knee (1044) arthroplasty candidates (1,063 women, 742 men) preoperatively. Women represented 59% of the study subjects and showed greater disability than men (P <or= .001) in the physical performance and self-report measures. Although the hip arthroplasty group perceived greater functional disability and less satisfaction, the impact of osteoarthritis on the hip and knee was similar in terms of walking and stair performance. Overall, there was low-to-moderate correlation between the self-report and physical performance measures (r = .21- .50).

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2004

[Evaluation of the nutritional status and physical performance in candidates to liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical capacity and nutritional status of patients before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to correlate these parameters to the severity of liver function. METHODS: Thirty-two patients before OTL were classified as Child-Pugh A (25%), B (22%) and C (53%). Physical capacity was analyzed by the quadriceps and ankle strength, balance, coordination, gait velocity, 6 minute walk test, get up and go test, Barthel and Karnofsky indexes. Nutritional status was evaluated by using Mendenhall score and Blackburn classification. RESULTS: Quadriceps weakness was found in 32% of the patients. Impaired balance and coordination were detected in 34.8% and 15.6% of the patients. Low physical performance was found in 72.5% of the patients (6 min walk test: 31.6% severely; 40.9% moderately impaired) and 43.8% required considerable assistance when the Karnofsky index was applied. Malnutrition was found in 62.5% of the patients (34.37% moderately and severely malnourished and 28.13% mildly malnourished). Chi-square analysis showed no association between Child-Pugh classification and nutritional status, the 6 min walk test and Karnofsky index. The association between the two functional tests was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results show that physical impairment and nutritional deficit were highly prevalent in the patients studied, independent of the degree of hepatic dysfunction evaluated by the traditional Child-Pugh classification.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1992

Effect of macronutrient composition of an energy-restrictive diet on maximal physical performance.

Thirty-six sedentary, mildly obese (30-40% fat), premenopausal women (29-49 yr) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary regimens for an 8-wk double-blind, parallel study of the effect of moderate caloric restriction and macronutrient variation on maximal physical performance. Group 1 (N = 19) consumed 4186 kJ.d-1 (1000 kcal.d-1) with a diet composition of 40% fat, 40% carbohydrate (CHO), and 20% protein. Group 2 (N = 17) also consumed 4186 kJ.d-1 but varied the percent kilojoules to 20% fat, 60% CHO, and 20% protein. Maximal aerobic power was measured using a modified Balke protocol, strength was assessed using isotonic bench and leg press machines and a Cybex 340 isokinetic device during knee flexion and extension, and muscular endurance was taken as the number of sit-ups performed in 1 min. Pre- to post-testing revealed significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) reductions in body weight (group 1, -7.4 kg; group 2, -6.5 kg) within both groups. No significant changes were seen in maximal aerobic power within both groups. Strength measures for both groups showed a trend toward reduction but statistical significance was only evident in right knee extension for group 1 and left knee extension for group 2 (P less than or equal to 0.05). Sit-up number increased nonsignificantly for both groups. Between group differences were not found in any body weight, body composition, or physical performance index. We therefore conclude that in mildly obese women, maximal exercise performance is relatively unimpaired after 8 wk of caloric restriction with either of two diets differing moderately in their macronutrient content.

Adult↗