All of the most widely-cited studies for the prediction of maximum exercise responses have utilized either volunteers or referred subjects. Therefore, selection bias, with overestimation of the reference values, is a likely consequence. In order to establish a set of predictive equations for the gas exchange, ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to maximum ramp-incremental cycle ergometry, ...

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The overall hypothesis was that trunk muscle strength, body sway and hypovitaminosis D would influence daily activities and the likelihood of falls and fractures. - In 237 women (mean age 62.9+/-7.4 years) osteoporosis was defined by a T-score at the femoral neck below -2.5 SD. ...

OBJECTIVES Investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping(®) on neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps and balance in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DESIGN This is a randomized clinical trial. METHODS Forty-seven male participants, between 12 and 17 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, underwent initial assessment consisti...

Background Sarcopenic obesity is associated with disability in older people, especially in women. Resistance exercises are recommended for this population, but their efficacy is not clear. Objective To evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance exercise program with high-speed component on the physical function of older women with sarcopenic obesity. Method Twenty-eight women 65 to 80...

OBJECTIVES To compare objective measures of strength and subjective functional outcomes in complete distal pectoralis major tears treated either surgically or non-surgically. METHODS Twenty two pectoralis major tears were included in 21 patients. Ten were surgically repaired and 12 were managed non-surgically. Patients completed a standard questionnaire, and clinical examination and isokineti...

The validity of the methods used for determination of muscle mass has not been evaluated previously. We determined muscle mass by estimating muscle volume with assumption-free stereological techniques applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 18 healthy untrained subjects (6 women, 12 men) aged 41 yr (29-64 yr; median, range). Muscle mass was also estimated by measuring leg circumference a...

In this study, anthropometric measurements were carried out on seven British international male épée fencers, using a maximal treadmill running test, a 20-s Wingate-type test, and isokinetic dynamometry. Testing was conducted on two occasions, 5 to 6 months apart, during mid-off-season (preparation) and mid-in-season (competition) periods. Maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) and maximal respiratory ...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare muscle activation patterns and patellofemoral joint morphologies between patients with knee osteoarthritis with and without patellar malalignment. SUBJECTS The subjects were divided into 3 groups. Group A comprised 11 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis without patellar malalignment. Group B comprised 14 patients with symptomatic knee o...

OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) lead to inflammation in tendons and peritendinous tissues, but effects on biomechanical tendon function are unknown. This study investigated patellar tendon (PT) properties in stable, established RA and AS patients. METHODS We compared 18 RA patients (13 women, 59.0 ± 2.8 years, mean ± SEM) with 18 age- and sex-matched health...

Cross-sectional studies are likely to underestimate age-related changes in skeletal muscle strength and mass. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess whole muscle and single muscle fiber alterations in the same cohort of 12 older (mean age: start of study 71.1+/-5.4 yr and end of study 80+/-5.3 yr) volunteers (5 men) evaluated 8.9 yr apart. No significant changes were noted at foll...