Physiological and metabolic responses of wheelchair athletes in different racing classes to prolonged exercise

The aims of this study were to examine and compare selected physiological and metabolic responses of wheelchair athletes in two paraplegic racing classes [T3: n = 8 (lesion levels T1-T7; paraplegics); T4: n = 9 (lesion levels below T7; paraplegics)] to prolonged exercise. In addition, we describe the responses of three tetraplegic athletes [T2: n = 3 (lesion levels C6/C7: tetraplegics)]. Twenty athletes completed 90 min of exercise at 75% VO2peak on a motorized treadmill adapted for wheelchairs. The mean (+/- s) heart rates of the T3 and T4 racing classes were 165 +/- 2 and 172 +/- 6 beats.min-1, respectively. For the T4 racing class, heart rate gradually increased during the test (P < 0.05), whereas for the T3 racing class, heart rate reached a plateau after an initial increase. The mean heart rate of the tetraplegics was 114 +/- 3 beats.min-1. The T3 and T4 classes exhibited similar respiratory exchange ratios, plasma lactate and glucose concentrations throughout the test. For both the T3 and T4 racing class, free fatty acid, glycerol, ammonia, urea and potassium concentrations had increased from resting values by the end of the test (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that endurance-trained wheelchair athletes are able to maintain velocities equivalent to the same relative exercise intensity (75% VO2peak) for prolonged periods irrespective of lesion level.     

All for one, one for all: collaboration between NHS and Higher Education in establishing provision of a multi-disciplinary, hospital-based library and information services

Developing multi-disciplinary library and information services is high on the agenda for many NHS trusts and this brings with it a climate of change for both those who manage and work in services today. The development of such new services needs to be carefully managed and developed, and this presents a challenge for librarians and service managers. In the UK during 1999 and 2000, Aintree Hospital Trust, in conjunction with Edge Hill College of Higher Education, established a truly multi-disciplinary service based at its hospital site and managed by Edge Hill. This paper outlines the key stages in the development of the Library and Information Service with the focus on the management of change, collaboration and the development of a unique partnership between Higher Education and an NHS trust. The case study example will provide an outline of strategic and project planning, with insights into staff management and development, delivering user expectations and developing stakeholder relationships in the health library setting.     

Reliability of power output during rowing changes with ergometer type and race distance

Coaches, sport scientists and researchers assess rowing performance on-water and on a variety of ergometers. Ergometers are frequently used because of the easier assessment environment. However, there is limited information on the ability of rowers to reproduce mean power or time-trial time when using different rowing ergometers (Concept II and RowPerfect) or completing tests over different distances (500 m versus 2000 m races). To test the efficacy of an intervention on a rower's ability to produce power, or to monitor that ability, it is essential to determine a reliable rowing performance test. The per cent standard error of measurement in performance (assessed by mean power and time-trial time) of fifteen national standard rowers was determined for five repeated 500 m and two repeated 2000 m races on a Concept II and RowPerfect ergometer. The per cent standard error of measurement (% SEM) in mean power between 5x500m races, regardless of gender, was 2.8% (95% confidence limits (CL)=2.3 to 3.4%) for the Concept II ergometer and 3.3% (95% CL=2.5 to 3.9%) for the RowPerfect ergometer (n = 15). Over 2000 m the per cent standard error of measurement in mean power was 1.3% (95% CL 0.9 to 2.9%) for the Concept II ergometer and 3.3% (95% CL 2.2 to 7.0%) for the RowPerfect ergometer The results highlight an increase in per cent standard error of the mean during performance races of less than 2000m on the Concept II ergometer, and performance races on the RowPerfect ergometer compared with the Concept II ergometer over 500 m and 2000 m. The most appropriate protocol for testing the influence of an intervention on the ability of a rower to produce power would be 2000 m races on a Concept II ergometer.     

Evidence-based practice: extending the search to find material for the systematic review

BACKGROUND: Cochrane-style systematic reviews increasingly require the participation of librarians. Guidelines on the appropriate search strategy to use for systematic reviews have been proposed. However, research evidence supporting these recommendations is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effectiveness of various systematic search methods used to uncover randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for systematic reviews. Effectiveness is defined as the proportion of relevant material uncovered for the systematic review using extended systematic review search methods. The following extended systematic search methods are evaluated: searching subject-specific or specialized databases (including trial registries), hand searching, scanning reference lists, and communicating personally. METHODS: Two systematic review projects were prospectively monitored regarding the method used to identify items as well as the type of items retrieved. The proportion of RCTs identified by each systematic search method was calculated. RESULTS: The extended systematic search methods uncovered 29.2% of all items retrieved for the systematic reviews. The search of specialized databases was the most effective method, followed by scanning of reference lists, communicating personally, and hand searching. Although the number of items identified through hand searching was small, these unique items would otherwise have been missed. CONCLUSIONS: Extended systematic search methods are effective tools for uncovering material for the systematic review. The quality of the items uncovered has yet to be assessed and will be key in evaluating the value of the systematic search methods.     

Using a journal availability study to improve access

PURPOSE: Identify journal collection access and use factors. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Health Sciences Library patrons. METHODOLOGY: Survey forms and user interactions were monitored once a week for twelve weeks during the fall 1997 semester. The project was based on a 1989 New Mexico State University study and used Kantor's Branching Analysis to measure responses. RESULT: 80% of reported sought journal articles were found successfully. Along with journal usage data, the library obtained demographic and behavioral information. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Journals are the library's most used resource and, even as more electronic journals are offered, print journals continue to make up the majority of the collection. Several factors highlighted the need to study journal availability. User groups indicated that finding journals was problematic, and internal statistics showed people requesting interlibrary loans for owned items. The study looked at success rates, time, and ease of finding journals. A variety of reasons contributed to not finding journals. While overall user reports indicated relatively high success rate and satisfaction, there were problems to be addressed. As the library proceeds in redesigning both the physical space and electronic presence, the collected data have provided valuable direction.     

Maximal-intensity isometric and dynamic exercise performance after eccentric muscle actions

A well-documented observation after eccentric exercise is a reduction in maximal voluntary force. However, little is known about the ability to maintain maximal isometric force or generate and maintain dynamic peak power. These aspects of muscle function were studied in seven participants (5 males, 2 females). Knee extensor isometric strength and rate of fatigue were assessed by a sustained 60 s maximal voluntary contraction at 80 degrees and 40 degrees knee flexion, corresponding to an optimal and a shortened muscle length, respectively. Dynamic peak power and rate of fatigue were assessed during a 30 s Wingate cycle test. Plasma creatine kinase was measured from a fingertip blood sample. These variables were measured before, 1 h after and 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after 100 repetitions of the eccentric phase of the barbell squat exercise (10 sets x 10 reps at 80% concentric one-repetition maximum). Eccentric exercise resulted in elevations in creatine kinase activity above baseline (274+/-109 U x l(-1); mean +/- s(x)) after 1 h (506+/-116 U x l(-1), P < 0.05) and 1 day (808+/-117 U x l(-1), P < 0.05). Isometric strength was reduced (P < 0.05) for 7 days (35% at 1 h, 5% at day 7) and the rate of fatigue was lower (P < 0.05) for 3 days at 80 degrees and for 1 day at 40 degrees. Wingate peak power was reduced to a lesser extent (P < 0.05) than isometric strength at 1 h (13%) and, although the time course of recovery was equal, the two variables differed in their pattern of recovery. Eccentrically exercised muscle was characterized by an inability to generate high force and power, but an improved ability to maintain force and power. Such functional outcomes are consistent with the proposition that type II fibres are selectively recruited or damaged during eccentric exercise.     

Age-related differences in vision and proprioception in a lower limb interceptive task: the effects of skill level and practice

This study examined age-related differences in the role of visual proprioception during a lower limb interceptive action and how this varies as a function of skill and practice. In Experiment 1, skilled and less-skilled 8-, 10-, and 12-year-old boys controlled a soccer ball using their preferred foot under full vision and when sight of the effector was occluded. With the exception of the high-skilled 12-year-olds and low-skilled 8-year-olds, participants showed a decrement in peformance when denied access to visual proprioception. In Experiment 2, the effect of practicing under different informational constraints was examined for 12 year-old boys. Children performed varying amounts of practice under full vision, or in a condition where sight of the foot was occluded, before being transferred to the alternative viewing condition. Participants who practiced under occluded viewing conditions showed greater relative improvement in performance over practice and transfer sessions compared with a full vision control group. Some support is provided for the manipulation of visual informational constraints as an effective pedagogical approach to motor learning.     

Simulated tennis matchplay in a controlled environment

The aim of this study was to develop an exercise protocol to simulate tennis matchplay on a 'category 2' surface. Match analyses were used to form the basis for the design of the protocol. The protocol involved playing against a tennis ball serving machine. Part A of the protocol comprised 92 min 46 s of simulated tennis matchplay; Part B consisted of continuous hitting to the point of 'volitional fatigue' or when the required hitting frequency for two consecutive ball feeds could no longer be maintained. Ten elite tennis players (5 males, 5 females) volunteered to participate in the study, which was performed on an indoor tennis court (Matchplay, En-Tout-Cas). Their age, body mass and estimated maximal oxygen uptake were as follows: males, 21.7 +/- 1.0 years, 73.6 +/- 2.6 kg and 58.0 +/- 1.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), respectively; females, 21.9 +/- 1.3 years, 62.3 +/- 2.0 kg and 42.2 +/- 0.7 ml x kg x min(-1), respectively (mean +/- sx). Heart rate, change in body mass and time to volitional fatigue were monitored. The heart rate responses of the participants to the simulated matchplay (range: 140-157 beats x min(-1), 73-81% peak heart rate) were consistent with the results of previous studies, for 'actual' matchplay. This protocol was successful in simulating similar physiological responses in Part A to 'actual' matchplay on a 'category 2' surface, in a controlled environment; it was also a sensitive evaluation tool of skilled performance in Part B. The current protocol may be used as a baseline protocol for studying the influence of, for example, training and dietary intervention on performance.