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PubMed1976

Physical performance capacity of children in Norway. Part IV. The rate of growth in maximal aerobic power and the influence of improved physical education of children in a rural community - population parameters in a rural community.

During a period of 4 years the annual increase of the physical performance of 31 boys and 34 girls was examined in a longitudinal study. In spite of the expected mean increase of the physical performance unsystematic annual variations of the increase of the maximal oxygen uptake related to body weight were observed. These variations can only be explained by the variations of the daily physical activity. The fact that in the longitudinal study a clear better performance over the years was observed than in a cross sectional study which was performed in the first year of the longitudinal study confirms this tendency. This can partly be explained by the improvement of the possibilities for physical activities in the community since the begin of the longitudinal study.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

Long-term administration of L-carnitine to humans: effect on skeletal muscle carnitine content and physical performance.

BACKGROUND: Long-term administration of high oral doses of L-carnitine on the skeletal muscle composition and the physical performance has not been studied in humans. METHODS: Eight healthy male adults were treated with 2 x 2 g of L-carnitine per day for 3 months. Muscle biopsies and exercise tests were performed before, immediately after, and 2 months after the treatment. Exercise tests were performed using a bicycle ergometer for 10 min at 20%, 40%, and 60% of the individual maximal workload (P(max)), respectively, until exhaustion. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between V(O(2)max), RER(max), and P(max) between the three time points investigated. At submaximal intensities, the only difference to the pretreatment values was a 5% increase in V(O(2)) at 20% and 40% of P(max) 2 months after the cessation of the treatment. The total carnitine content in the skeletal muscle was 4.10 +/- 0.82 micromol/g before, 4.79 +/- 1.19 micromol/g immediately after, and 4.19 +/- 0.61 micromol/g wet weight 2 months after the treatment (no significant difference). Activities of the two mitochondrial enzymes citrate synthase and cytochrome oxidase, as well as the skeletal muscle fiber composition also remained unaffected by the administration of L-carnitine. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term oral treatment of healthy adults with L-carnitine is not associated with a significant increase in the muscle carnitine content, mitochondrial proliferation, or physical performance. Beneficial effects of the long-term treatment with L-carnitine on the physical performance of healthy adults cannot be explained by an increase in the carnitine muscle stores.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The effects of exercise during hemodialysis on physical performance and nutrition assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of participation in an intradialytic exercise program using commonly available measures of physical performance and parameters of nutrition assessment. SESIGN: Performance testing and nutrition assessment were completed on hemodialysis patients who participated in an in-center, intradialytic exercise program. Data were collected at initiation and after 3, 6, and 12 months of participation. One-tailed, paired t-test was used for statistical assessment. SETTING: Free-standing, outpatient dialysis center with an average of 130 patients on staff-assisted hemodialysis. PATIENTS: Data were collected on 16 patients who completed 3 months in the program, 6 patients who completed 6 months in the program, and 4 patients who completed 12 months in the program. INTERVENTION: Patients participated in a progressive, self-paced exercise program including cycling before or during hemodialysis, or walking on a treadmill before hemodialysis. In addition to this, patients also had the option of doing stretching and/or light weight exercises during hemodialysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance tests included 60-second sit-stand, 28-ft slow and brisk walk, 60-second stair climb, and 60-second leg lifts. Nutrition assessment included changes in estimated dry weight, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum glucose, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), average monthly interdialytic weight gain, and monthly mean predialysis and postdialysis blood pressure. Glycohemoglobin was assessed in diabetic patients. Patients' charts were reviewed for episodes of intradialytic cramping and hypotension. RESULTS: All patients showed improvement in measures of physical performance at 3, 6, and 12 months. Mean phosphorus decreased from 1.94 +/- 0.45 mmol (6.02 +/- 1.4 mg/dL) by 11% at 3 months (P = 0.05) and by 26% at 12 months (P < 0.02). Patients who exercised for 12 months experienced a mean 16% reduction in blood glucose. Mean glucose levels for 7 diabetic patients decreased from 12.35 +/- 5.8 mmol/L (224.1 +/- 105) to 11. 66 +/- 1.9 mmol/L (211.7 +/- 34 mg/dL); however, this was not statistically significant. Mean glycohemoglobin levels for diabetic patients did not change significantly. Increases were seen in Kt/V, estimated dry weight, and serum albumin; however, these were not statistically significant. Decreases were noted in mean predialysis and postdialysis blood pressures and average interdialytic weight gains at 3, 6, and 12 months. CONCLUSION: A formal intradialytic exercise regimen can produce objective evidence of improvement in physical performance and some measures of nutritional well-being over 3 to 12 months. Further research is needed to determine if these changes are a result of exercise alone or increased compliance with the medical and dietary regimen.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMed1997

Physical performance in relation to age, sex, social class and sports activities in kindergarten and elementary school.

Physical performance of preschool children and elementary school pupils (N = 2309, age: 61 to 108 mo.) was related to characteristics of physical growth and cognitive performance and to ecological variables. Correlations between measures of physical growth and physical performance and between physical and cognitive performance were positive and significant. Measurements of physical fitness and body coordination increased across ages. Significant differences were found between boys and girls; however, boys exceeded on some items, girls on others. Children of higher socioeconomic status performed better than children of lower status and children who participated in sports outside school outperformed those who did not.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2003

[Clinicophysiological assessment of physical performance in patients recovering from hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome].

Tolerance of physical load was investigated in 50 convalescents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) at bicycle exercise test (BET). Calculations were made of maximal oxygen consumption and energy consumption at the threshold load. It is shown that for three months after HFRS physical performance of the convalescents remained low. By the end of the expected disability objective recovery of physical performance was registered only in 33-37% convalescents. More than for 3 months disability persisted in reconvalescents engaged in professions with energy consumption above 4.1 kkal/min throughout the working day. Use of BET in the practice of medical labour expertise of HFRS convalescents provides an objective assessment of their working ability and feasible job.

Convalescence↗

PubMed1995

Assessing risk for the onset of functional dependence among older adults: the role of physical performance.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of nondisabled, community-dwelling adults aged 75 years and older lose independence in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) each year. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether simple tests of physical performance could identify older adults, independent in their basic ADLs, who were at increased risk for the onset of functional dependence. METHODS: Among a representative cohort of 1103 community-dwelling adults aged 72 years and older, we evaluated the 664 subjects who were cognitively intact and independent in their basic ADLs at the baseline interview. All cohort members had undergone a comprehensive assessment, including a battery of qualitative and timed performance tests. The main outcome event was the onset of functional dependence, defined as a new disability in one or more of the seven basic ADLs at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Functional dependence developed in 53 (9%) of the 563 subjects who had complete data at the 1-year follow-up. Eight of the 12 qualitative tests and all six of the timed tests were significantly associated (P < .05) with the onset of functional dependence. Both qualitative and timed performance tests demarcated subjects into groups at low and high risk for functional dependence. Four timed tests--chair stands, rapid gait, 360 degrees turn, and bending over--showed a threshold phenomenon, where the rate of new dependence increased slowly with worsening performance until a critical point (or threshold) was reached, and the rate of dependence increased substantially. For timed chair stands, for example, the rates of functional dependence within quarters of worsening performance were 5.3%, 6.3%, 6.7%, and 16%. The risk of functional dependence was markedly elevated (30%-50%) for subjects who were unable to perform the timed tests. CONCLUSIONS: Several simple tests of physical performance were strongly associated with the onset of functional dependence. These results support the potential use of physical performance tests to develop a risk assessment strategy that could identify subgroups of older persons, independent in all ADLs, who are at increased risk for functional dependence.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2026

Effects of antidepressant administration on physical performance and perceived exertion in athletes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Antidepressants are commonly prescribed in athletes with depressive disorders, yet their potential effects on physical performance and perceived exertion remain unclear, and existing evidence is limited and inconsistent. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of antidepressant use on objective physical performance and perceived exertion in athletes. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus through March 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English that enrolled elite, competitive, or recreational athletes; compared antidepressant administration with placebo or no treatment; and reported at least one objective or subjective performance-related outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, and pooled mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251123740). RESULTS: Ten crossover RCTs involving 99 male athletes were included. Interventions included a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (reboxetine), a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (bupropion), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine or paroxetine). Acute antidepressant administration was associated with a small increase in rating of perceived exertion (RPE; mean difference 0.52 points on the Borg 6-20 scale, 95% CI 0.01-1.04; p < 0.05). No significant overall effects were observed for time-trial performance, mean power output, heart rate or blood lactate. However, subgroup analyses showed that reboxetine significantly impaired time-trial performance (mean difference 3.62 min, 95% CI 0.18-7.06; p < 0.05) and reduced mean power output (mean difference - 19.97 W, 95% CI - 36.87 to - 3.06; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term antidepressant administration in athletes was associated with a small increase in perceived exertion, without consistent impairment in objective physical performance. As the current evidence derives exclusively from male athletes and acute exposure, further research should clarify its relevance to female athletes and to longer-term antidepressant treatment in athletes with depressive disorders.

Humans↗

PubMed1995

Physical performance, pain, pain behavior and subjective disability in patients with subacute low back pain.

The aim of this paper was to study the physical performance, pain, pain behavior and disability in patients with subacute low back pain (LBP). The patients were blue-collar workers and had been sick-listed for 8 weeks due to subacute low back pain. A total of 103 patients were randomized, 51 of them to the intervention group and the other to a control group. Recordings of physical performance and complaints of LBP were done before and after treatment in the intervention group. The proportion of patients with no complaints of LBP was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group at the one-year follow-up. The patients who intra-individually improved their physical performance also intra-individually decreased their complaints of LBP. The intra-individual improvements were suggested to be important for the individual return to work.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Effects of a 3-month endurance event on physical performance and body composition: the G2 trans-Greenland expedition.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged physical exertion with inadequate time for recuperation may result in an overtraining phenomenon characterized by reduced physical strength and endurance capacity. We tested the hypothesis that highly motivated men pushed to the limits of their endurance capacity for 3 months would suffer physical breakdown characterized by loss of lean mass and reduced physical performance capacity. METHODS: Two well-trained men (VO2max > 60 mL/kg/min), aged 25 years, completed an unsupported, 2928-km, south-to-north ski trek across Greenland in 86 days. The trek involved ski marching, typically for 9 h/d, pulling sleds initially containing 150 kg and a high-fat (60%) energy-dense diet of 25.1 MJ/d. Body composition and physical performance data were collected 14 days before and 4 days after the trek. RESULTS: Energy expenditure based on doubly labeled water during three 2-week periods ranged from 28.3 and 34.6 MJ/d in rugged terrain to 14.6 and 16.1 MJ/d during travel on flat terrain for subjects 1 and 2, respectively. Both men lost weight, completing the trek with low-normal fat stores (approximately 13% body fat). The lighter man gained 0.6 kg lean mass, while the heavier man lost 1.4 kg lean mass and a larger amount of fat weight (7.0 kg). Most performance measures showed trivial changes within the errors of measurement and test reproducibility, indicating no loss of endurance capacity, but anaerobic tests (Wingate and vertical jump) were markedly reduced. Markers of metabolic status, including oral glucose tolerance tests, indicated no functional impairments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of subjects was limited, this observational study demonstrated that well-trained and experienced long-distance ski trekkers who eat an adequate high-calorie diet can perform endurance treks in severe cold, with little or no loss of lean mass and physical capability.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Simple versus complex assessment of white matter hyperintensities in relation to physical performance and cognition: the LADIS study.

BACKGROUND: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI are associated with disorders of gait and balance and with cognitive impairment. The most suitable method to assess WMH in relation to the clinical evaluation of disturbances in these areas has not yet been established. AIM: To compare a simple visual rating scale, a detailed visual rating scale and volumetric assessment of WMH with respect to their associations with clinical measures of physical performance and cognition. METHODS: Data were drawn from the multicentre, multinational LADIS study. Data of 574 subjects were available. MRI analysis included assessment of WMH using the simple Fazekas scale, the more complex Scheltens scale and a semi-automated volumetric method. Disturbances of gait and balance and general cognitive function were assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. RESULTS: Irrespective of the method of measuring WMH, subjects with disturbances of gait and balance (SPPB < or = 10) had more WMH than subjects with normal physical performance. Subjects with mild cognitive deficits (MMSE < or = 25) had more WMH than subjects with normal cognition. Correlations between clinical measures and WMH were equal across methods of WMH measurement (SPPB: Spearman r = -0.22, -0.25, -0.26, all p < 0.001; MMSE: Spearman r = -0.11, -0.10, -0.09, all p < 0.05, for Fazekas scale, Scheltens scale and volumetry, respectively). These associations remained significant and comparable after correcting for age, gender and education in multivariate linear regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Simple and complex measures of WMH yield comparable associations with measures of physical performance and cognition. This suggests that a simple visual rating scale may be sufficient, when analyzing relationships between clinical parameters and WMH in a clinical setting.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Physical performance in relation to age, sex, birth order, social class, and sports activities of preschool children.

Physical performance of 1,194 preschool children, ages 43 to 84 mo. was related to characteristics of physical growth, cognitive performance, and social variables. Correlations between measures of physical growth and physical performance and between motor and cognitive performance were positive and significant. Physical fitness, body coordination, and manual dexterity improved across age groups. Significant sex differences were found, although boys exceeded on some measures and girls on others. Children with older sisters or brothers performed better than only or first-born children, and children who participated in sports activities outside school outperformed those who did not.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1979

Improved physical performance as a therapeutic objective in patients with angina.

1 Improvement in physical performance, based on exercise tolerance, self-assessed work and physician-rated functional capacities, is proposed as a measure of efficacy of anti-anginal therapy in the rehabilitation of the cardiac patient. 2 Improved physical performance parallels changes in frequency of anginal attacks and a nitroglycerin requirements following beta-blocker therapy. 3 Nadolol (a beta-blocker), given once daily is as effective as propranolol, given four times daily as an anti-anginal agent.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1991

Structure of physical performance in occupational tasks.

Two lines of research concerning the dimensionality of physical performance in occupational tasks are described. In the first, the physical requirements of tasks are analyzed as reflected in job analyses. In the second, the structure of physical abilities tests used to predict performance in physically demanding jobs is evaluated. Principal components analyses of both job analysis and test performance data suggest that the structure of physical abilities has three major components--strength, endurance, and movement quality. This structure appears to be independent of job type or level of incumbents' performance.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Association between physical activity, physical performance, and inflammatory biomarkers in an elderly population: the InCHIANTI study.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine the association between physical activity and physical performance, and inflammatory biomarkers in elderly persons. METHODS: One thousand four persons aged 65 years or more, participants in a cross-sectional population-based study, were included. Interviewers collected information on self-reported physical activity during the previous year. Moreover, 841 participants performed a 400-meter walking test to assess physical performance. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were determined. RESULTS: Compared to sedentary men, men practicing light and moderate-high physical activity had a significantly lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (-0.33 and -0.40 mm/h; p =.023 and p =.006, respectively), fibrinogen level (-43 and -39 mg/dL; p =.001 and p =.004, respectively), and logarithm of C-reactive protein (CRP) (-0.43 and -0.73 mg/L; p =.025 and p <.001, respectively), whereas only those men practicing moderate-high physical activity had a significantly lower uric acid level (-0.57 mg/dL; p =.023), log(interleukin 6) levels (-0.33 pg/mL; p =.014), and log(tumor necrosis factor-alpha) (-0.31 pg/mL; p =.030). In women, those practicing light and moderate-high physical activity had significantly lower uric acid (-0.45 and -0.34 mg/dL; p =.001 and p =.039, respectively) and log(interleukin 6) levels (-0.18 and -0.30 pg/mL; p =.043 and p =.004, respectively); only those women practicing moderate-high physical activity had significantly lower log(CRP) (-0.31 mg/L; p =.020). In women, when the analysis was adjusted for body mass index, the association between physical activity and CRP was no longer significant. Similar findings were observed when we carried these analyses according to physical performance. CONCLUSIONS: Current physical activity practice and performance are associated with inflammatory biomarkers. A significant beneficial association is already observed with light physical activity practice and intermediate performance.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Physical performance is preserved after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy has been shown to improve left ventricular diastolic function in elderly patients with hypertension, but little is known about whether this affects physical performance. Left ventricular mass, cardiac function at rest and during submaximal exercise, and physical performance were assessed in 38 elderly patients with hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy and normal systolic function before and after 8 and 14 months of therapy with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide or both. Blood pressure control was achieved with amlodipine in 18 patients, with hydrochlorothiazide in seven, and with the combination of these drugs in 13. Left ventricular mass index was similarly reduced from approximately 150 to approximately 100 g/m2 at 14 months' in each treatment group. Systolic function was maintained with the three treatment regimens, whereas similar decreases in time to peak filling rate and increases in first-third filling fraction occurred both at rest and during submaximal exercise after 8 months and further after 14 months of therapy. Exercise capacity did not significantly change in the group as a whole, but individual changes in peak oxygen uptake at the end of treatment correlated significantly with the decrease in time to peak filling rate during submaximal exercise (r = -0.49; p < 0.01). It is concluded that long-term blood pressure control with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide or both is associated with significant reductions in left ventricular mass and improved diastolic function in elderly patients with hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy. Despite this reduction in left ventricular mass, left ventricular systolic function and physical performance are well preserved during submaximal exercise.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

[Development of a method for estimation of physical fitness age for the evaluation of physical performance levels].

The aims of this study are to develop a method for estimation of physical fitness age for the evaluation of physical performance levels and to examine the efficacy and adaptability of the method. Physical fitness data collected on 15,845 subjects from 23 health promotion centers in Japan, during a 2-year period, 1985-1986, were analysed by correlation analysis to find factors which affect physical performance. From this analysis, stature and exercise habit were selected as factors to be considered in the computation of physical fitness age. For determination of physical fitness and its relation to chronological age, four tests, side step, sit-ups, vertical jump and wing lift were selected from results of correlation and multiple regression analysis and an estimation equation for physical fitness age was developed by stepwise multiple regression analysis, in which the subjective variable is physical fitness data and objective variables are chronological age and height, on 9,528 people without habitual physical activities. Physical fitness age for each fitness test was calculated from the equation and mean individual physical fitness age computed. The suitability of the developed method was tested on other groups with results showing that the developed method was generally applicable to the other group and was exact enough to evaluate the characteristics of the physical level of the group. Analysis of the relation between health indices and physical fitness age obtained by this new method, revealed that the group in which physical fitness age is inferior to chronological age contained relatively more hypertensive patients and obese people.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effect of aerobic exercise and relaxation training on fatigue and physical performance of cancer patients after surgery. A randomised controlled trial.

Fatigue is a frequent problem after surgical treatment of solid tumours. Aerobic exercise and psychosocial interventions have been shown to reduce the severity of this symptom in cancer patients. Therefore, we compared the effect of the two therapies on fatigue in a randomised controlled study. Seventy-two patients who underwent surgery for lung (n=27) or gastrointestinal tumours (n=42) were assigned to an aerobic exercise group (stationary biking 30 min five times weekly) or a progressive relaxation training group (45 min three times per week). Both interventions were carried out for 3 weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, we evaluated physical, cognitive and emotional status and somatic complaints with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Module (EORTC-QLQ-30) questionnaire, and maximal physical performance with an ergometric stress test. Physical performance of the training group improved significantly during the programme (9.4+/-20 watts, p=0.01) but remained unchanged in the relaxation group (1.5+/-14.8 watts, p=0.37). Fatigue and global health scores improved in both groups during the intervention (fatigue: training group 21%, relaxation group 19%; global health of both groups 19%, p for all < or =0.01); however, there was no significant difference between changes in the scores of both groups (p=0.67). We conclude that a structured aerobic training programme improves the physical performance of patients recovering from surgery for solid tumours. However, exercise is not better than progressive relaxation training for the treatment of fatigue in this setting.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Diet and physical performance.

This paper provides a historical summary of military nutrition research into the role of diet for sustaining soldier physical performance. Studies of underfeeding document that physical performance is preserved during several days of underfeeding provided sufficient carbohydrate and minerals are consumed to minimize the diuresis associated with semi-starvation diets and serial intake of carbohydrate is available to support metabolism during prolonged work. The Military Recommended Dietary Allowances, AR 40-25, currently recommends that when restricted rations are required, that the ration contain at least 1,100-1,500 kcal, 50-70 g of protein, and a minimum of 100 g of carbohydrate on a daily basis. This low energy diet, however, is not recommended for subsistence for longer than 10 consecutive days. Dietary carbohydrate intakes of approximately 300-400 g will more closely match the quantity of carbohydrate oxidized to meet daily energy requirements during field operations. Research into the potential advantages of dietary supplements has generally not proved advantageous when compared to eating a well balanced diet. Future investigations of the role of diet for sustaining soldier health and performance should be directed toward a better understanding of the influence of energy intake and macro-nutrient composition for preserving lean body mass, reducing susceptibility to illness and injury and enhancing recovery during and after sustained operations.

Adult↗