Stavrou TV; Kyriaki A; Vavougios DG; Fatouros GI; Metsios SG; Kalabakas K; Karagiannis D; Daniil Z;
Gourgoulianis IK; Βasdekis G;

Sports medicine and health science [Sports Med Health Sci] 2022 Oct 23.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 23.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected different physiological systems, with a potentially profound effect on athletic performance. However, to date, such effect has not been neither addressed, nor investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate fitness indicators, along with the respiratory and metabolic profile, in post-COVID-19 athletes. Forty male soccer players, were divided into two groups: non-hospitalized COVID-19 (n = 20, Age: 25.2 ± 4.1 years, Body Surface Area (BSA): 1.9 ± 0.2 m ² , body fat: 11.8 ± 3.4%) versus (vs) healthy (n = 20, Age: 25.1 ± 4.4 years, BSA: 2.0 ± 0.3 m ² , body fat: 10.8 ± 4.5%). For each athlete, prior to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), body composition, spirometry and lactate blood levels, were recorded. Differences between groups were assessed with the independent samples t-test (<0.05). Several differences were detected between the two groups: ventilation (V _E : Resting: 14.7 ± 3.1 vs. 11.5 ± 2.6, p = 0.001; Maximal Effort: 137.1 ± 15.5 vs. 109.1 ± 18.4 L/min, p < 0.001), ratio V _E /maximal voluntary ventilation (Resting: 7.9 ± 1.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001; Maximal Effort: 73.7 ± 10.8 vs. 63.1 ± 9.0, p = 0.002), ratio V _E /BSA (Resting: 7.9 ± 2.0 vs. 5.9 ± 1.4%, p = 0.001; Maximal Effort: 73.7 ± 11.1 vs. 66.2 ± 9.2%, p = 0.026), heart rate (Maximal Effort: 191.6 ± 7.8 vs. 196.6 ± 8.6 bpm, p = 0.041), and lactate acid (Resting: 1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001; Maximal Effort: 11.0 ± 1.6 vs. 9.8 ± 1.2 mmol/L, p = 0.009), during CPET. No significant differences were identified regarding maximal oxygen uptake (55.7 ± 4.4 vs. 55.4 ± 4.6 ml/min/kg, p = 0.831). Our findings demonstrate a pattern of compromised respiratory function in post-COVID-19 athletes characterized by increased respiratory work at both rest and maximum effort as well as hyperventilation during exercise, which may explain the reported increased metabolic needs.

Petek BJ; Churchill TW; Gustus SK; Schoenike MW; Nayor M; Moulson N; Guseh JS; VanAtta C; Blodgett JB;
Contursi M; Lewis GD; Baggish AL; Wasfy MM;

European journal of preventive cardiology [Eur J Prev Cardiol] 2022 Nov 02.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Nov 02.

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE

Alfitian J; Basto J; Miestereck J; Ismail H; Ho KM; Kammerer T; Schick V; Riedel B; Schier R;

Minerva anestesiologica [Minerva Anestesiol] 2022 Nov 03.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Nov 03.

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) objectively informs preoperative risk stratification prior to major surgery. CPET facilities are resource intensive and therefore more cost-effective triage methods are desirable for scalability. We tested two dynamic CPET parameters (end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) and heart rate (HR)) to early phase exercise and resting diffusion capacity (DLCO) as potential point of care assessments that could be used outside of formal CPET testing facilities.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 84 patients who underwent CPET prior to elective major abdominal cancer surgery. Data were analysed for PetCO2 and HR in response to early phase (2 minutes) exercise as well as resting DLCO against postoperative complications and two-year survival. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo score into less severe and severe (CD>IIIb) grades. Optimal cut points for predicting outcomes were determined using the Youden index of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multivariate regression modeling including both logistic and Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted to age and comorbidity burden to analyse the association between the selected parameters and postoperative outcomes.
Results: PetCO2, in response to two minutes of loaded exercise was higher in survivors than in non-survivors (median (IQR) 40.0 (4.2) mmHg vs. 34.5 (5.2) mmHg, p<0.001). There was no association between chronotropic response and postoperative outcome. The optimal cut point for predicting postoperative complications and survival was 38 mmHg and 37.1 mmHg for PetCO2, respectively. Low PetCO2 was associated with considerably lower odds of survival (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03, 0.47; p=0.003) and additionally increased odds of severe postoperative complications (OR 6.77; 95% CI 1.45, 38.4; p=0.019). Reduced age-predicted DLCO% <80% was associated with increased mortality (HR 5.27; 95% CI 1.09, 25.5; p=0.039).
Conclusions: Assessment of DLCO at rest and dynamic assessment of PetCO2 during the early phase of exercise may potentially be developed as inexpensive point of care triage tools to scale objective preoperative risk assessment.

Suri A; Mishra S; Bhatnagar S; Garg R; Jee Bharti S; Kumar V; Gupta N; Kumar S; Sharma A; Deo S;

Turkish journal of anaesthesiology and reanimation [Turk J Anaesthesiol Reanim] 2022 Oct; Vol. 50 (5), pp. 358-365.

Objective: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves resectability rates of oesophageal cancer, but the process may also take a toll on the patients’ exercise capacity and may adversely affect the postoperative outcomes. It can be assessed objectively using cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Methods: Patients with oesophagus cancer performed a baseline test and a second test after neoadjuvant chemotherapy during the week preceding oesophagectomy. They were followed up for postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality.
Results: Thirty-three patients completed the study. The mean pre-chemotherapy peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) was 1128.39 ± 202.79 mL min-1 (19.46 ± 3.06 mL kg-1 min-1 ) which declined to 1010.33 ± 195.56 mL min-1 (17.24 ± 2.55 mL kg-1 min-1 ) in the postchemotherapy period (P < .001). Pre-chemotherapy anaerobic threshold was 906.85 ± 176.81 mL min-1 (15.54 ± 2.24 mL kg-1 min-1 ) which declined to 764.76 ± 158.79 mL min-1 (13.01 ± 2.22 mL kg-1 min-1 ) (P < .001) in the post-chemotherapy period. Six patients developed complications of modified Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and above. Two (6.1%) patients succumbed to complications within 30 days. The mean anaerobic threshold in patients who suffered complications modified Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 was 693.33 ± 140.99 mL min-1 (11.2 ± 1.17 mL kg-1 min-1 ) while patients with mild to moderate complications had a mean anaerobic threshold 13.41 ± 2.21 mL kg-1 min-1 (P < .006). An optimal cut off value for anaerobic threshold was 12.5 mL kg-1 min-1
Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing accurately predicts outcomes in cancer oesophagus patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery.

Avitabile CM; McBride MG; Harris MA; Whitehead KK; Fogel MA; Paridon SM; Zemel BS;

Frontiers in pediatrics [Front Pediatr] 2022 Oct 05; Vol. 10, pp. 1025420.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 05 (Print Publication: 2022).

Background: Skeletal muscle deficits are associated with worse exercise performance in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH) but the impact is poorly understood in pediatric PH.
Objective: To study muscle deficits, physical inactivity, and performance on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and exercise cardiac magnetic resonance (eCMR) in pediatric PH.
Methods: Youth 8-18 years participated in a prospective, cross-sectional study including densitometry (DXA) for measurement of leg lean mass Z-score (LLMZ), handheld dynamometer with generation of dominant and non-dominant handgrip Z-scores, Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), CPET, and optional eCMR. CPET parameters were expressed relative to published reference values. CMR protocol included ventricular volumes and indexed systemic flow at rest and just after supine ergometer exercise. Relationships between LLMZ, PAQ score, and exercise performance were assessed by Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression.
Results: There were 25 participants (13.7 ± 2.8 years, 56% female, 64% PH Group 1, 60% functional class I); 12 (48%) performed both CPET and eCMR. Mean LLMZ (-0.96 ± 1.14) was associated with PAQ score ( r = 50, p = 0.01) and with peak oxygen consumption (VO ₂ ) ( r = 0.74, p = < 0.001), VO ₂ at anaerobic threshold ( r = 0.65, p < 0.001), and peak work rate ( r = 0.64, p < 0.01). Higher handgrip Z-scores were associated with better CPET and eCMR performance. On regression analysis, LLMZ and PAQ score were positively associated with peak VO ₂ , while handgrip Z-score and PAQ score were positively associated with peak work rate.
Conclusion: Muscle mass and strength are positively associated with exercise performance in pediatric PH. Future studies should determine the effect of rehabilitation programs on muscle properties and exercise performance.

Weberruß H; Baumgartner L; Mühlbauer F; Shehu N; Oberhoffer-Fritz R;

Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine [Front Cardiovasc Med] 2022 Oct 06; Vol. 9, pp. 961979.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 06 (Print Publication: 2022).

Background: In young athletes, exercise causes changes in the heart that include growth in wall thickness and mass of the left ventricle and expansion of the heart’s chambers. The heart’s function is either preserved or enhanced, but this may change to the opposite over time.
Objective: This study aimed to assess structural and functional cardiac adaptations in relation to exercise training time, intensity, and performance in young competitive athletes.
Methods: A total of 404 children and adolescents (14.23 ± 2.0 years, 97 females) were enrolled in the Munich Cardiovascular Adaptations in Young Athletes Study (MuCAYA-Study). Eighty-five participants were examined two times a year. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular structure and function. Training time and intensity was measured with the MoMo physical activity questionnaire, maximum aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and strength with the handgrip strength test.
Results: Maximum aerobic capacity significantly influenced interventricular septal thickness in diastole. Training intensity significantly influenced left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole, and left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area. Within one year, interventricular wall thickness, relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass, indexed to body surface area and height, increased significantly. Training intensity and aerobic capacity contributed to cardiac adaptations in young competitive athletes, as represented by altered structural parameters but preserved cardiac function. Within a year, however, structural changes and a decline in diastolic performance were observed within the longitudinal sub-sample.
Conclusion: Our results confirm the hypothesis that cardiac adaptations to exercise occur at a young age. Cardiac adaptation in our cohort was influenced by exercise intensity and maximum aerobic capacity.

Zimmermann P; Eckstein ML; Moser O; Schöffl I; Zimmermann L; Schöffl V;

International journal of environmental research and public health [Int J Environ Res Public Health] 2022 Oct 13; Vol. 19 (20).
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 13.

Eleven world elite ski-mountaineering (Ski-Mo) athletes were evaluated for pronounced echocardiographic physiological remodeling as the primary aim of our feasibility speckle tracking study. In this context, sports-related cardiac remodeling was analyzed by performing two-dimensional echocardiography, including speckle tracking analysis of the left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) at rest and post-peak performance. The feasibility echocardiographic speckle tracking analysis was performed on eleven elite Ski-Mo athletes, which were obtained in 2022 during the annual medical examination. The obtained data of the professional Ski-Mo athletes (11 athletes, age: 18-26 years) were compared for different echocardiographic parameters at rest and post-exercise. Significant differences were found for LV-GLS mean ( p = 0.0036) and phasic LA conduit strain pattern at rest and post-exercise ( p = 0.0033). Furthermore, negative correlation between LV mass and LV-GLS ( p = 0.0195, r = -0.69) and LV mass Index and LV-GLS ( p = 0.0253, r = -0.66) at rest were elucidated.
This descriptive reporting provided, for the first time, a sport-specific dynamic remodeling of an entire elite national team of the Ski-Mo athlete’s left heart and elucidated differences in the dynamic deformation pattern of the left heart.

Papadakis Z; Etchebaster M; Garcia-Retortillo S;

International journal of environmental research and public health [Int J Environ Res Public Health] 2022 Oct 14; Vol. 19 (20).
Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 14.

Collegiate rowing performance is often assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Rowers’ on-water performance involves non-linear dynamic interactions and synergetic reconfigurations of the cardiorespiratory system. Cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC) method measures the co-variation among cardiorespiratory variables. Novice ( n = 9) vs. Intermediate ( n = 9) rowers’ CRC (H ₀ : Novice CRC = Intermediate CRC; H _A : Novice CRC &lt; Intermediate CRC) was evaluated through principal components analysis (PCA). A female NCAA Division II team ( N = 18) grouped based on their off-water performance on 6000 m time trial. Rowers completed a customized CPET to exhaustion and a variety of cardiorespiratory values were recorded. The number of principal components (PCs) and respective PC eigenvalues per group were computed on SPSS vs28. Intermediate (77%) and Novice (33%) groups showed one PC ₁ . Novice group formed an added PC ₂ due to the shift of expired fraction of oxygen or, alternatively, heart rate/ventilation, from the PC ₁ cluster of examined variables. Intermediate rowers presented a higher degree of CRC, possible due to their increased ability to utilize the bicarbonate buffering system during the CPET. CRC may be an alternative measure to assess aerobic fitness providing insights to the complex cardiorespiratory interactions involved in rowing during a CPET.

Choi HE;  Min EH; Kim HK; Kim HJ; Jang HJ;

Medicine [Medicine (Baltimore)] 2022 Oct 21; Vol. 101 (42), pp. e31244.

The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the gold standard measure of aerobic exercise capacity and is an important outcome measure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And respiratory muscle performance is also an important functional parameter for COPD patients. In addition to the traditional respiratory muscle strength test, the Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance has recently been introduced and validated in patients with COPD. However, the relationship between VO2 and respiratory muscle performance in COPD is not well understood. Therefore, this study investigated the correlations among VO2 and respiratory muscle performance and other functional markers in COPD.
A total of 32 patients with COPD were enrolled. All study participants underwent the following assessments: cardiopulmonary exercise test, pulmonary function test, respiratory muscle strength test, peripheral muscle strength test, and bioelectrical impedance analysis.
When comparing VO2peak and respiratory muscle parameters, the sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (SMIP) was the only factor with a significant relationship with VO2peak. Among other functional parameters, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed the strongest correlation with VO2peak. It was followed by phase angle values of lower limbs, leg extension peak torque, age, and total skeletal muscle mass. When comparing respiratory muscle performance with other functional parameters, the SMIP showed the strongest correlation with hand grip strength, followed by peak cough flow, forced vital capacity, maximal inspiratory pressure, and FEV1.
The results showed that the SMIP was more significantly correlated with VO2peak than the static measurement of respiratory muscle strength. This suggests that TIRE may be a useful assessment tool for patients with COPD. Additionally, FEV1 and other functional markers were significantly correlated with VO2peak, suggesting that various parameters may be used to evaluate aerobic power indirectly.

West M; Bates A; Grimmett C; Allen C; Green R; Hawkins L; Moyses H; Leggett S; Levett D; Rickard S;
Varkonyi-Sepp J; Williams F; Wootton S; Hayes M; Grocott M; Jack S;

F1000Research [F1000Res] 2021 Sep 21; Vol. 10, pp. 952.
Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Sep 21 (Print Publication: 2021).

Background: Surgical resection remains the primary curative treatment for intra-cavity cancer. Low physical fitness and psychological factors such as depression are predictive of post-operative morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. Prolonged post-operative morbidity is associated with persistently elevated risk of premature death. We aim to investigate whether a structured, responsive exercise training programme, a psychological support programme or combined exercise and psychological support, delivered between treatment decision and major intra-cavity surgery for cancer, can reduce length of hospital stay, compared with standard care.
Methods: WesFit is a pragmatic , 2×2 factorial-design, multi-centre, randomised-controlled trial, with planned recruitment of N=1560. Participants will be randomised to one of four groups. Group 1 (control) will receive usual pre-operative care, Group 2 (exercise) patients will undergo 2/3 aerobic, high-intensity interval training sessions per week supervised by personal trainers. Group 3 (psychological support) patients are offered 1 session per week at a local cancer support centre. Group 4 will receive both exercise and psychological support. All patients undergo baseline and pre-operative cardiopulmonary exercise testing, complete self-report questionnaires and will be followed up at 30 days, 12 weeks and 12 months post-operatively. Primary outcome is post-operative length-of-stay. Secondary outcomes include disability-adjusted survival at 1-year postoperatively, post-operative morbidity, and health-related quality of life. Exploratory investigations include objectively measured changes in physical fitness assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test, disease-free and overall mortality at 1-year postoperatively, longer-term physical activity behaviour change, pre-operative radiological tumour regression, pathological tumour regression, pre and post-operative body composition analysis, health economics analysis and nutritional characterisation and its relationship to post-operative outcome.
Conclusions: The WesFit trial will be the first randomised controlled study investigating whether an exercise training programme +/- psychological intervention results in improvements in clinical and patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing major inter-cavity resection of cancer.