At the time of this writing, the world is amid a pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (a new coronavirus) which causes COVID-19 disease. More than 3.5 million are known to have been infected, and it can cause a range in severity of symptoms from asymptomatic (believed to occur in most individuals) to those with mild to severe flulike symptoms to those who end up in intensive care units (ICUs) with severe acute respiratory syndrome requiring artificial respiration support from a ventilator. Those with more severe effects often have chronic comorbid diseases including diabetes, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension,

ABSTRACT

Background: Low muscular strength is associated with decline in ambulatory function. Progressive strength training has been demonstrated to improve physical functional outcomes. Because eccentric exercise is a potent stimulus for increasing muscle size, strength, and power, it has the potential to serve as a time-effective intervention to improve ambulatory function at a lower metabolic cost compared with traditional strength training. We examined the effect of a 6-week eccentric cycling training intervention on walking economy in healthy individuals.

Methods: Eleven healthy individuals (age = 24 ± 3 years; body weight = 71 ± 9 kg; height = 1.7 ± 0.1 m) trained on an eccentric ergometer for 6 weeks (3×/week; 10–30 min; 54%–66% of maximum heart rate). The metabolic cost of walking was assessed 1 week prior to and 1 week following eccentric cycling training. Cost of walking was determined as the net energy cost (J·kg⁻¹·s⁻¹), divided by walking speed (m·s⁻¹) during steady-state walking at 5 walking speeds (0.7, 1.11, 1.39, 1.67, and 1.9 m·s⁻¹)

Results: Posttraining cost of walking was significantly improved across all 5 walking speeds (0.7, 1.11, 1.39, 1.67, and 1.9 m·s⁻¹; all P < 0.01) following eccentric cycling training.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that 6 weeks of chronic eccentric cycling training was effective in improving walking economy and can be safely administered and tolerated by healthy individuals. Enhancing ambulatory function through eccentric cycling ergometry would be beneficial for both athletic and mobility-limited populations.

ABSTRACT

Background: Community-based exercise classes have the potential to sustain the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for the prevention of future cardiovascular events. Such classes can be designed to address this need; however, whether such classes meet these objectives is rarely evaluated.

Methods: Facility managers, instructors, and class participants completed questionnaires. Two assessors observed exercise classes called “Heartmoves.” A maximum of 10 participants per class wore heart rate (HR) monitors. Mean and highest HR as percentage of age-predicted maximum were recorded for class components. At the end of classes, participants completed a 10-point rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Data were compared with international guidelines for community exercise classes for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Results: Twelve classes were observed with 82 participants. All classes included guideline-recommended components of warm-up, cooldown, strength, and aerobic conditioning; 58% of classes (n = 7) incorporated strength and aerobic conditioning in a circuit. Class participants exercised at low to moderate intensities as indicated by mean ± SD: HR (warm-up 55% ± 11% age-predicted maximum HR; cooldown 52 ± 11; strength 59 ± 11; aerobic conditioning 58 ± 12); and overall RPE (6 ± 2). Class participants' mean age was 70 ± 8 years; 27% (n = 24) were referred by health professionals; 73% (n = 61) attended for fitness; 61% (n = 50) had CVD risk factors; and 21% (n = 17) reported diagnosed CVD.

Conclusion: Community exercise classes for individuals with CVD, specifically those aligned with Heartmoves, may comply with international guidelines, although few class participants have diagnosed CVD.

ABSTRACT

People with disabilities (PWDs) are an underrecognized population who tend to experience poorer health outcomes than those without disabilities. Many of these disparate health outcomes are preventable and can be addressed through various lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity and access to appropriate health care services. However, PWDs face significant barriers to health care and health-promoting activities within their communities that can positively affect these health outcomes and improve quality of life. In order to ensure access to these beneficial programs, inclusive practices must be incorporated into all aspects of the physical and social environment, including the built environment, equipment, service delivery, policy and decision making, programming, and staff training. The purpose of this article is to discuss barriers often experienced by PWDs in accessing health promotion programs and address practical considerations that can ensure inclusion of PWDs' health care and health promotion programming. Additionally, this article will provide clinical exercise physiologists with resources, tools, and examples of inclusive approaches that will provide a foundation to offer inclusive programs and practices to all Americans, including those with disabilities.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Arterial Health in Adults With Down Syndrome

Brantley K. BallengerPhD, ACSM-CEP,

Stanley P. BrownPhD,

Bo FernhallPhD,

Robert W. MotlPhD, and

Stamatis AgiovlasitisPhD, ACSM-CEP

Editor's Perspective: The Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the Time of Covid-19

Chronic Eccentric Cycling Training Improves Walking Economy in Healthy Individuals

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of Community Exercise Classes for Cardiovascular Diseases

ABSTRACT

The Pathway to Inclusion: Improving the Health of All Americans

ABSTRACT

Best Practice Approach for Interstitial Lung Disease in the Rehabilitation Setting

ABSTRACT

Simulation in Exercise Science and Physiology—No Longer a Luxury but a Necessity

ABSTRACT

Resistance Exercise and Knee Osteoarthritis

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Arterial Health in Adults With Down Syndrome

Health Care Professionals’ Promotion of Exercise Referral Schemes in New South Wales

Enrolling Patients With Claudication into Supervised Exercise Therapy: A Single-Center Experience

Farewell, but Not Goodbye

Feasibility of Noninvasive Diastolic Stress Testing in the 10- to 21-Year-Old Age Group