IntroductionBiologic and small-molecule therapies have revolutionised the treatment of moderate-t... more IntroductionBiologic and small-molecule therapies have revolutionised the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A significant proportion of patients experience early or delayed treatment failure. Patients with IBD with greater visceral obesity are less likely to respond to biologics. Sarcopenia has been identified as a predictor of disease severity and need for rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a physician-derived exercise programme in patients with IBD commencing biologic or small-molecule therapy in addition to the effect on physical fitness, body composition and objective measures of quality of life, fatigue scores and disease activity.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled feasibility study comparing the effects of a physician-derived exercise programme and standard medical care (biologic/small-molecule therapy) with standard care alone in patients with moderate to sev...
You might find this additional info useful...This article cites 35 articles, 15 of which can be a... more You might find this additional info useful...This article cites 35 articles, 15 of which can be accessed free at:http://jap.physiology.org/content/106/3/943.full.html#ref-list-1 This article has been cited by 3 other HighWire hosted articles€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Appl Physiol, March , 2010; 108 (3): 554-560.Naila Goldenberg and Jeffrey F. HorowitzSean A. Newsom, Simon Schenk, Kristin M. Thomas, Matthew P. Harber, Nicolas D. Knuth,exercise-induced increase in insulin sensitivityEnergy deficit after exercise augments lipid mobilization but does not contribute to the€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Physiol, November 15, 2011; 589 (22): 5539-5553.Steven J. Prior, Espen E. Spangenburg and James M. HagbergNathan T. Jenkins, Rian Q. Landers, Sunny R. Thakkar, Xiaoxuan Fan, Michael D. Brown,oxygen species in circulating CD31 + cellsPrior endurance exercise prevents postprandial lipaemia-induced increases in reactive€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Appl Physiol, December , 2011; 111 (...
Objectives: Lower extremity (LE) injuries are common in Gaelic games and lead to a significant ec... more Objectives: Lower extremity (LE) injuries are common in Gaelic games and lead to a significant economic and injury burden. Balance is considered a predictor of injury in other sports, however no research has examined its effect on LE injury in Gaelic games. This study aims to present normative data for the Y Balance Test (YBT), determine whether the YBT can identify those at risk of contact and non-contact LE and ankle injuries and generate population specific cutoff points in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic games. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: A convenience sample of 636 male adolescent (n = 293, age = 15.7 ± 0.7 years) and collegiate (n = 343, age = 19.3 ± 1.9 years) Gaelic footballers and hurlers were recruited. The YBT was completed and injuries were assessed at least weekly over one season. Univariate and logistic regression was performed to examine if the YBT can classify those at risk of LE-combined and ankle injuries. ROC curves were used to identify cutoff points. Results: Gaelic players performed poorly in the YBT and between 31-57% of all players were identified as at risk of injury at pre-season using previously published YBT cutoff points. However, poor YBT scores were unable to ascertain those at risk of contact or non-contact LE-combined and ankle injuries with sufficient sensitivity. High specificity was noted for contact LE-combined and non-contact ankle injuries. Conclusions: The YBT as a sole screening method to classify those at risk of LE and ankle injuries in Gaelic games is questionable. However, the YBT may be a useful preliminary screening tool to identify those not at risk of contact LE-combined or non-contact ankle injury. Generalising published cutoff points from other sports is not supported.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2019
O’Connor, S, McCaffrey, N, Whyte, EF, and Moran, KA. Can a standardized visual assessment of squa... more O’Connor, S, McCaffrey, N, Whyte, EF, and Moran, KA. Can a standardized visual assessment of squatting technique and core stability predict injury? J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 26–36, 2020—This study examined whether a standardized visual assessment of squatting technique and core stability can predict injury. Male adolescent and collegiate Gaelic players (n = 627) were assessed using the alternative core/trunk stability push-up test and a developed scoring system for the overhead squat and single-leg squat (SLS) that examined both overall impression and segmental criteria. A single summative score from the overall impression scores of all 3 tests was calculated. Sustained injuries were examined over a season. Results indicated that the single summative score did not predict those that sustained a lower-extremity injury, trunk injury, or whole-body injury, and receiver operating characteristic curves were also unable to generate an optimal cutoff point for prediction. When segmental c...
A physically inactive lifestyle in breast cancer survivors elevates risk for recurrence, morbidit... more A physically inactive lifestyle in breast cancer survivors elevates risk for recurrence, morbidity, and co-occurring chronic diseases. Exercise interventions, particularly those that combine both aerobic and resistance exercise, can help mitigate these risks and serve as an important pathway for promoting health and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. However, barriers to exercise may prevent adherence to recommended levels of activity. Smartphone based exercise programs may promote improvements in quality of life via a method that is both scalable and widely feasible for breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 6-week smartphone based aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: 34 women (age = 57.5 y.o) 6.7 years since diagnosis (YSD) were recruited through Army of Women, a national non-profit breast cancer organization, to complete a 6-week intervention remotely. They were provided with a Fitbit and a mobile application that provided prompts to complete aerobic and resistance exercise. Additionally, written and video instructions were provided for each resistance exercise workout on the app. Surveys on depression and quality of Life (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, Short Form Health Survey, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer) were completed pre and post the 6-week intervention. RESULTS: Regression analyses examined effects of aerobic and resistance exercise completed during the intervention on quality of life, controlling for YSD, race, stage, and BMI. Only resistance exercise was significantly associated with improvements in depression (β = 0.431, t=2.79, p = 0.01), social functioning as measured by the SF-36 (β =-0.378, t=-2.25, p = 0.03) and social well-being as measured by the FACT-B (β =-0.361, t=-1.95, p =0.06). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the unique effects of a brief resistance exercise program delivered via a mobile application in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Mobile application based exercise interventions offer significant scalability and improved feasibility for breast cancer survivors who may have limited access to a supervised exercise program.
Results: In agreement with other studies, the mean response to the 12 weeks intervention was posi... more Results: In agreement with other studies, the mean response to the 12 weeks intervention was positive for the majority of parameters. Overall, 89% improved BMI, 80% waist circumference, and 81% body fat while only 64% improved fasting plasma glucose and 60% 2 h glucose. The impact of the intervention by glycaemic group did not show any phenotypic differences in response between NGT, IFG, and IGT. A hierarchical cluster analysis of change in glucose tolerance identified four subgroups of "responders" (high and moderate) and "non-responders" (no response or deteriorated) but there were few differences in baseline clincal and physiological parameters or in response to the intervention to explain the overall variance. A further PCA analysis of 19 clinical and physiological univariables could explain less than half (48%) of total variability.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2019
Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CV... more Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CVD, uptake rates are poor and long-term adherence rates are low. Home-based, technology enabled, CR has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery for communitybased CR. PATHway (Physical Activity Towards Health) is an individualized, home-based CR program involving an internet-enabled, sensor-based platform 1. This multicenter study assessed the impact of PATHway on physical activity (PA) levels, body composition, blood pressure (BP), vascular health and selected maximal and submaximal fitness indices in patients with CVD. Methods: Following completion of a hospital-based CR program, 120 patients (82% male, (60.3 ± 9.2 (SD) yr) were randomized (1:1) to PATHway or a standard care control group. Body composition, BP, PA, endothelial dependent (flow mediated dilation), endothelial independent dilation (glyceryl trinitrate), VO 2 at ventilatory threshold and VO 2 max were assessed at baseline and 6 month follow-up. Results: There was a significant decrease in waist circumference (p =0.021) and DBP (p =0.002) and a significant increase in minutes of moderate intensity PA (MIPA)(p=0.033) in the PATHway group compared to the standard care control group. There was no significant change in VO 2 max, VO 2 at ventilatory threshold, endothelial dependent or endothelial independent dilation between the two groups. Conclusion: Participation in a novel sensor-based home exercise CR program had a beneficial effect on body composition, BP and MIPA. Cardiorespiratory responses during maximal and sub maximal exercise and FMD did not change.
Journal of strength and conditioning research, Jan 24, 2018
High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but i... more High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but is extremely time-consuming in contrast to low volume short duration sprint interval training (SIT) that improves maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) to a similar extent. Few studies have compared the effects of SIT versus ET using running-based protocols, or in team sport athletes. Club level male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to SIT (n=7; 21.6 ± 2.1 yr) or ET (n=8; 21.9 ± 3.5 yr) for six sessions over two weeks. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, running economy (RE), and high intensity endurance capacity (HEC) were measured before and after training. An increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (P<0.05) following two weeks of both SIT and ET was observed. Performance in HEC increased by 31.0% and 17.2% after SIT and ET, respectively (P<0.05). RE assessed at 8, 9, 10 and 11 kmh, lactate threshold and vV[Combining Dot A...
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2019
Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CV... more Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CVD, uptake rates are poor and long-term adherence rates are low. Home-based, technology enabled, CR has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery for communitybased CR. PATHway (Physical Activity Towards Health) is an individualized, home-based CR program involving an internet-enabled, sensor-based platform 1. This multicenter study assessed the impact of PATHway on physical activity (PA) levels, body composition, blood pressure (BP), vascular health and selected maximal and submaximal fitness indices in patients with CVD. Methods: Following completion of a hospital-based CR program, 120 patients (82% male, (60.3 ± 9.2 (SD) yr) were randomized (1:1) to PATHway or a standard care control group. Body composition, BP, PA, endothelial dependent (flow mediated dilation), endothelial independent dilation (glyceryl trinitrate), VO 2 at ventilatory threshold and VO 2 max were assessed at baseline and 6 month follow-up. Results: There was a significant decrease in waist circumference (p =0.021) and DBP (p =0.002) and a significant increase in minutes of moderate intensity PA (MIPA)(p=0.033) in the PATHway group compared to the standard care control group. There was no significant change in VO 2 max, VO 2 at ventilatory threshold, endothelial dependent or endothelial independent dilation between the two groups. Conclusion: Participation in a novel sensor-based home exercise CR program had a beneficial effect on body composition, BP and MIPA. Cardiorespiratory responses during maximal and sub maximal exercise and FMD did not change.
Objectives of this European Respiratory Society task force were to summarise current studies, to ... more Objectives of this European Respiratory Society task force were to summarise current studies, to develop strategies for future research and to increase availability and awareness of exercise training for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients.An evidence-based approach with clinical expertise of the task force members, based on both literature search and face-to-face meetings was conducted. The statement summarises current knowledge and open questions regarding clinical effects of exercise training in PH, training modalities, implementation strategies and pathophysiological mechanisms.In studies (784 PH patients in total, including six randomised controlled trials, three controlled trials, 10 prospective cohort studies and four meta-analyses), exercise training has been shown to improve exercise capacity, muscular function, quality of life and possibly right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these data, to investigate...
ABSTRACT Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes ... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes to treat injuries but are also reportedly misused as performance or recovery aids. This study aimed to investigate NSAID use, knowledge, and behavior regarding use and misuse of NSAIDs in Irish student-athletes. Methods: One hundred and forty-nine (21.2 ± 3.5 years) student-athletes completed an anonymous questionnaire online. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to examine whether the associated factors could predict NSAID misuse. Results: Ninety-four per cent of respondents reported using NSAIDs in the past, 63.8% used NSAIDs previously before or after competition and/or practice, and 13.9% took more than the recommended dosage and this was higher (22.9%) for over-the-counter NSAIDs. More than half were unsure of NSAID side effects. Misuse of NSAIDs was more common in respondents who had more favorable attitudes to the benefits of NSAIDs (odds ratio [OR] = 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–19.61), high reported stress (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.58–1.73), or greater behavioral intention to use NSAIDs (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.90–4.53). High perceived athletic identity also significantly predicted behavioral intention (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Education strategies to improve student-athletes’ knowledge of appropriate use and side effects of NSAIDs are recommended, particularly for those with high levels of stress and athletic identity.
Context Hamstring injuries are a leading cause of injury in Gaelic games. Hamstring flexibility a... more Context Hamstring injuries are a leading cause of injury in Gaelic games. Hamstring flexibility as a risk factor for hamstring injury has not yet been examined prospectively in Gaelic games. Objective To examine whether hamstring flexibility, using the modified active knee extension (AKE) test, and previous injury are risk factors for hamstring injury in Gaelic players and generate population-specific AKE cut-off points. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting School and colleges. Patients (or Other Participants) Adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers (n=570). Intervention(s) At preseason, the modified AKE test was completed and hamstring injuries were assessed over the course of one season. Any previous hamstring injuries were noted in those that presented with a hamstring injury. Main Outcome Measures Bilateral AKE scores and between-leg asymmetries were recorded. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were implemented to generate cut-off points specific...
Journal of strength and conditioning research, Jan 24, 2018
High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but i... more High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but is extremely time-consuming in contrast to low volume short duration sprint interval training (SIT) that improves maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) to a similar extent. Few studies have compared the effects of SIT versus ET using running-based protocols, or in team sport athletes. Club level male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to SIT (n=7; 21.6 ± 2.1 yr) or ET (n=8; 21.9 ± 3.5 yr) for six sessions over two weeks. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, running economy (RE), and high intensity endurance capacity (HEC) were measured before and after training. An increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (P<0.05) following two weeks of both SIT and ET was observed. Performance in HEC increased by 31.0% and 17.2% after SIT and ET, respectively (P<0.05). RE assessed at 8, 9, 10 and 11 kmh, lactate threshold and vV[Combining Dot A...
Most research examining injury in Gaelic games has focused on elite adult men. Gaelic football an... more Most research examining injury in Gaelic games has focused on elite adult men. Gaelic football and hurling are two of the most popular sports in Ireland, commonly played by teenagers. However, despite their popularity, only one previous study has looked at injuries in teenagers, and this focused on Gaelic footballers only1 and was published back in 1996. This study followed 292 male teenagers (15.7±0.8 years) who played Gaelic football and hurling over 1 year. Any players …
I as compared to the MIT group, despite requiring only one hour of activity per week compared to ... more I as compared to the MIT group, despite requiring only one hour of activity per week compared to five hours per week for the MIT group. METHODS: 28 sedentary overweight or obese men (age, 20 ± 1.5 years, body mass index 29.5 ± 3.3 kg/m 2) participated in a six week exercise treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT or MIT and evaluated at baseline and post-training. DXA was used to assess body composition, graded treadmill exercise test to measure cardiovascular fitness, oral glucose tolerance to measure S I , nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess lipoprotein particles, and automatic auscultation to measure blood pressure. RESULTS: A greater improvement in VO 2peak was observed in MIT compared to HIIT (11.1% vs 2.83%, P=0.0185) in the complete-case analysis. No differences were seen in the intention to treat analysis, and no other group differences were observed. Both exercise conditions were associated with temporal improvements in % body fat, total cholesterol, medium VLDL, medium HDL, triglycerides, S I , and VO 2peak (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Participation in HIIT or MIT exercise training displayed: 1) improved S I , 2) reduced blood lipids, 3) decreased % body fat, and 4) improved cardiovascular fitness. While both exercise groups led to similar improvements for most cardiometabolic risk factors assessed, MIT led to a greater improvement in overall cardiovascular fitness. Overall, these observations suggest that a relatively short duration of either HIIT or MIT training may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in previously sedentary overweight or obese young men, with no clear advantage between these two specific regimes (Clinical Trial Registry number NCT01935323).
IntroductionBiologic and small-molecule therapies have revolutionised the treatment of moderate-t... more IntroductionBiologic and small-molecule therapies have revolutionised the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A significant proportion of patients experience early or delayed treatment failure. Patients with IBD with greater visceral obesity are less likely to respond to biologics. Sarcopenia has been identified as a predictor of disease severity and need for rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a physician-derived exercise programme in patients with IBD commencing biologic or small-molecule therapy in addition to the effect on physical fitness, body composition and objective measures of quality of life, fatigue scores and disease activity.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled feasibility study comparing the effects of a physician-derived exercise programme and standard medical care (biologic/small-molecule therapy) with standard care alone in patients with moderate to sev...
You might find this additional info useful...This article cites 35 articles, 15 of which can be a... more You might find this additional info useful...This article cites 35 articles, 15 of which can be accessed free at:http://jap.physiology.org/content/106/3/943.full.html#ref-list-1 This article has been cited by 3 other HighWire hosted articles€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Appl Physiol, March , 2010; 108 (3): 554-560.Naila Goldenberg and Jeffrey F. HorowitzSean A. Newsom, Simon Schenk, Kristin M. Thomas, Matthew P. Harber, Nicolas D. Knuth,exercise-induced increase in insulin sensitivityEnergy deficit after exercise augments lipid mobilization but does not contribute to the€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Physiol, November 15, 2011; 589 (22): 5539-5553.Steven J. Prior, Espen E. Spangenburg and James M. HagbergNathan T. Jenkins, Rian Q. Landers, Sunny R. Thakkar, Xiaoxuan Fan, Michael D. Brown,oxygen species in circulating CD31 + cellsPrior endurance exercise prevents postprandial lipaemia-induced increases in reactive€[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] J Appl Physiol, December , 2011; 111 (...
Objectives: Lower extremity (LE) injuries are common in Gaelic games and lead to a significant ec... more Objectives: Lower extremity (LE) injuries are common in Gaelic games and lead to a significant economic and injury burden. Balance is considered a predictor of injury in other sports, however no research has examined its effect on LE injury in Gaelic games. This study aims to present normative data for the Y Balance Test (YBT), determine whether the YBT can identify those at risk of contact and non-contact LE and ankle injuries and generate population specific cutoff points in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic games. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: A convenience sample of 636 male adolescent (n = 293, age = 15.7 ± 0.7 years) and collegiate (n = 343, age = 19.3 ± 1.9 years) Gaelic footballers and hurlers were recruited. The YBT was completed and injuries were assessed at least weekly over one season. Univariate and logistic regression was performed to examine if the YBT can classify those at risk of LE-combined and ankle injuries. ROC curves were used to identify cutoff points. Results: Gaelic players performed poorly in the YBT and between 31-57% of all players were identified as at risk of injury at pre-season using previously published YBT cutoff points. However, poor YBT scores were unable to ascertain those at risk of contact or non-contact LE-combined and ankle injuries with sufficient sensitivity. High specificity was noted for contact LE-combined and non-contact ankle injuries. Conclusions: The YBT as a sole screening method to classify those at risk of LE and ankle injuries in Gaelic games is questionable. However, the YBT may be a useful preliminary screening tool to identify those not at risk of contact LE-combined or non-contact ankle injury. Generalising published cutoff points from other sports is not supported.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2019
O’Connor, S, McCaffrey, N, Whyte, EF, and Moran, KA. Can a standardized visual assessment of squa... more O’Connor, S, McCaffrey, N, Whyte, EF, and Moran, KA. Can a standardized visual assessment of squatting technique and core stability predict injury? J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 26–36, 2020—This study examined whether a standardized visual assessment of squatting technique and core stability can predict injury. Male adolescent and collegiate Gaelic players (n = 627) were assessed using the alternative core/trunk stability push-up test and a developed scoring system for the overhead squat and single-leg squat (SLS) that examined both overall impression and segmental criteria. A single summative score from the overall impression scores of all 3 tests was calculated. Sustained injuries were examined over a season. Results indicated that the single summative score did not predict those that sustained a lower-extremity injury, trunk injury, or whole-body injury, and receiver operating characteristic curves were also unable to generate an optimal cutoff point for prediction. When segmental c...
A physically inactive lifestyle in breast cancer survivors elevates risk for recurrence, morbidit... more A physically inactive lifestyle in breast cancer survivors elevates risk for recurrence, morbidity, and co-occurring chronic diseases. Exercise interventions, particularly those that combine both aerobic and resistance exercise, can help mitigate these risks and serve as an important pathway for promoting health and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. However, barriers to exercise may prevent adherence to recommended levels of activity. Smartphone based exercise programs may promote improvements in quality of life via a method that is both scalable and widely feasible for breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 6-week smartphone based aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: 34 women (age = 57.5 y.o) 6.7 years since diagnosis (YSD) were recruited through Army of Women, a national non-profit breast cancer organization, to complete a 6-week intervention remotely. They were provided with a Fitbit and a mobile application that provided prompts to complete aerobic and resistance exercise. Additionally, written and video instructions were provided for each resistance exercise workout on the app. Surveys on depression and quality of Life (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, Short Form Health Survey, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer) were completed pre and post the 6-week intervention. RESULTS: Regression analyses examined effects of aerobic and resistance exercise completed during the intervention on quality of life, controlling for YSD, race, stage, and BMI. Only resistance exercise was significantly associated with improvements in depression (β = 0.431, t=2.79, p = 0.01), social functioning as measured by the SF-36 (β =-0.378, t=-2.25, p = 0.03) and social well-being as measured by the FACT-B (β =-0.361, t=-1.95, p =0.06). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the unique effects of a brief resistance exercise program delivered via a mobile application in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Mobile application based exercise interventions offer significant scalability and improved feasibility for breast cancer survivors who may have limited access to a supervised exercise program.
Results: In agreement with other studies, the mean response to the 12 weeks intervention was posi... more Results: In agreement with other studies, the mean response to the 12 weeks intervention was positive for the majority of parameters. Overall, 89% improved BMI, 80% waist circumference, and 81% body fat while only 64% improved fasting plasma glucose and 60% 2 h glucose. The impact of the intervention by glycaemic group did not show any phenotypic differences in response between NGT, IFG, and IGT. A hierarchical cluster analysis of change in glucose tolerance identified four subgroups of "responders" (high and moderate) and "non-responders" (no response or deteriorated) but there were few differences in baseline clincal and physiological parameters or in response to the intervention to explain the overall variance. A further PCA analysis of 19 clinical and physiological univariables could explain less than half (48%) of total variability.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2019
Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CV... more Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CVD, uptake rates are poor and long-term adherence rates are low. Home-based, technology enabled, CR has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery for communitybased CR. PATHway (Physical Activity Towards Health) is an individualized, home-based CR program involving an internet-enabled, sensor-based platform 1. This multicenter study assessed the impact of PATHway on physical activity (PA) levels, body composition, blood pressure (BP), vascular health and selected maximal and submaximal fitness indices in patients with CVD. Methods: Following completion of a hospital-based CR program, 120 patients (82% male, (60.3 ± 9.2 (SD) yr) were randomized (1:1) to PATHway or a standard care control group. Body composition, BP, PA, endothelial dependent (flow mediated dilation), endothelial independent dilation (glyceryl trinitrate), VO 2 at ventilatory threshold and VO 2 max were assessed at baseline and 6 month follow-up. Results: There was a significant decrease in waist circumference (p =0.021) and DBP (p =0.002) and a significant increase in minutes of moderate intensity PA (MIPA)(p=0.033) in the PATHway group compared to the standard care control group. There was no significant change in VO 2 max, VO 2 at ventilatory threshold, endothelial dependent or endothelial independent dilation between the two groups. Conclusion: Participation in a novel sensor-based home exercise CR program had a beneficial effect on body composition, BP and MIPA. Cardiorespiratory responses during maximal and sub maximal exercise and FMD did not change.
Journal of strength and conditioning research, Jan 24, 2018
High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but i... more High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but is extremely time-consuming in contrast to low volume short duration sprint interval training (SIT) that improves maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) to a similar extent. Few studies have compared the effects of SIT versus ET using running-based protocols, or in team sport athletes. Club level male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to SIT (n=7; 21.6 ± 2.1 yr) or ET (n=8; 21.9 ± 3.5 yr) for six sessions over two weeks. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, running economy (RE), and high intensity endurance capacity (HEC) were measured before and after training. An increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (P<0.05) following two weeks of both SIT and ET was observed. Performance in HEC increased by 31.0% and 17.2% after SIT and ET, respectively (P<0.05). RE assessed at 8, 9, 10 and 11 kmh, lactate threshold and vV[Combining Dot A...
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2019
Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CV... more Background: Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CVD, uptake rates are poor and long-term adherence rates are low. Home-based, technology enabled, CR has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery for communitybased CR. PATHway (Physical Activity Towards Health) is an individualized, home-based CR program involving an internet-enabled, sensor-based platform 1. This multicenter study assessed the impact of PATHway on physical activity (PA) levels, body composition, blood pressure (BP), vascular health and selected maximal and submaximal fitness indices in patients with CVD. Methods: Following completion of a hospital-based CR program, 120 patients (82% male, (60.3 ± 9.2 (SD) yr) were randomized (1:1) to PATHway or a standard care control group. Body composition, BP, PA, endothelial dependent (flow mediated dilation), endothelial independent dilation (glyceryl trinitrate), VO 2 at ventilatory threshold and VO 2 max were assessed at baseline and 6 month follow-up. Results: There was a significant decrease in waist circumference (p =0.021) and DBP (p =0.002) and a significant increase in minutes of moderate intensity PA (MIPA)(p=0.033) in the PATHway group compared to the standard care control group. There was no significant change in VO 2 max, VO 2 at ventilatory threshold, endothelial dependent or endothelial independent dilation between the two groups. Conclusion: Participation in a novel sensor-based home exercise CR program had a beneficial effect on body composition, BP and MIPA. Cardiorespiratory responses during maximal and sub maximal exercise and FMD did not change.
Objectives of this European Respiratory Society task force were to summarise current studies, to ... more Objectives of this European Respiratory Society task force were to summarise current studies, to develop strategies for future research and to increase availability and awareness of exercise training for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients.An evidence-based approach with clinical expertise of the task force members, based on both literature search and face-to-face meetings was conducted. The statement summarises current knowledge and open questions regarding clinical effects of exercise training in PH, training modalities, implementation strategies and pathophysiological mechanisms.In studies (784 PH patients in total, including six randomised controlled trials, three controlled trials, 10 prospective cohort studies and four meta-analyses), exercise training has been shown to improve exercise capacity, muscular function, quality of life and possibly right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these data, to investigate...
ABSTRACT Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes ... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes to treat injuries but are also reportedly misused as performance or recovery aids. This study aimed to investigate NSAID use, knowledge, and behavior regarding use and misuse of NSAIDs in Irish student-athletes. Methods: One hundred and forty-nine (21.2 ± 3.5 years) student-athletes completed an anonymous questionnaire online. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to examine whether the associated factors could predict NSAID misuse. Results: Ninety-four per cent of respondents reported using NSAIDs in the past, 63.8% used NSAIDs previously before or after competition and/or practice, and 13.9% took more than the recommended dosage and this was higher (22.9%) for over-the-counter NSAIDs. More than half were unsure of NSAID side effects. Misuse of NSAIDs was more common in respondents who had more favorable attitudes to the benefits of NSAIDs (odds ratio [OR] = 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–19.61), high reported stress (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.58–1.73), or greater behavioral intention to use NSAIDs (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.90–4.53). High perceived athletic identity also significantly predicted behavioral intention (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Education strategies to improve student-athletes’ knowledge of appropriate use and side effects of NSAIDs are recommended, particularly for those with high levels of stress and athletic identity.
Context Hamstring injuries are a leading cause of injury in Gaelic games. Hamstring flexibility a... more Context Hamstring injuries are a leading cause of injury in Gaelic games. Hamstring flexibility as a risk factor for hamstring injury has not yet been examined prospectively in Gaelic games. Objective To examine whether hamstring flexibility, using the modified active knee extension (AKE) test, and previous injury are risk factors for hamstring injury in Gaelic players and generate population-specific AKE cut-off points. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting School and colleges. Patients (or Other Participants) Adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers (n=570). Intervention(s) At preseason, the modified AKE test was completed and hamstring injuries were assessed over the course of one season. Any previous hamstring injuries were noted in those that presented with a hamstring injury. Main Outcome Measures Bilateral AKE scores and between-leg asymmetries were recorded. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were implemented to generate cut-off points specific...
Journal of strength and conditioning research, Jan 24, 2018
High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but i... more High volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but is extremely time-consuming in contrast to low volume short duration sprint interval training (SIT) that improves maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) to a similar extent. Few studies have compared the effects of SIT versus ET using running-based protocols, or in team sport athletes. Club level male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to SIT (n=7; 21.6 ± 2.1 yr) or ET (n=8; 21.9 ± 3.5 yr) for six sessions over two weeks. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, running economy (RE), and high intensity endurance capacity (HEC) were measured before and after training. An increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (P<0.05) following two weeks of both SIT and ET was observed. Performance in HEC increased by 31.0% and 17.2% after SIT and ET, respectively (P<0.05). RE assessed at 8, 9, 10 and 11 kmh, lactate threshold and vV[Combining Dot A...
Most research examining injury in Gaelic games has focused on elite adult men. Gaelic football an... more Most research examining injury in Gaelic games has focused on elite adult men. Gaelic football and hurling are two of the most popular sports in Ireland, commonly played by teenagers. However, despite their popularity, only one previous study has looked at injuries in teenagers, and this focused on Gaelic footballers only1 and was published back in 1996. This study followed 292 male teenagers (15.7±0.8 years) who played Gaelic football and hurling over 1 year. Any players …
I as compared to the MIT group, despite requiring only one hour of activity per week compared to ... more I as compared to the MIT group, despite requiring only one hour of activity per week compared to five hours per week for the MIT group. METHODS: 28 sedentary overweight or obese men (age, 20 ± 1.5 years, body mass index 29.5 ± 3.3 kg/m 2) participated in a six week exercise treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT or MIT and evaluated at baseline and post-training. DXA was used to assess body composition, graded treadmill exercise test to measure cardiovascular fitness, oral glucose tolerance to measure S I , nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess lipoprotein particles, and automatic auscultation to measure blood pressure. RESULTS: A greater improvement in VO 2peak was observed in MIT compared to HIIT (11.1% vs 2.83%, P=0.0185) in the complete-case analysis. No differences were seen in the intention to treat analysis, and no other group differences were observed. Both exercise conditions were associated with temporal improvements in % body fat, total cholesterol, medium VLDL, medium HDL, triglycerides, S I , and VO 2peak (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Participation in HIIT or MIT exercise training displayed: 1) improved S I , 2) reduced blood lipids, 3) decreased % body fat, and 4) improved cardiovascular fitness. While both exercise groups led to similar improvements for most cardiometabolic risk factors assessed, MIT led to a greater improvement in overall cardiovascular fitness. Overall, these observations suggest that a relatively short duration of either HIIT or MIT training may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in previously sedentary overweight or obese young men, with no clear advantage between these two specific regimes (Clinical Trial Registry number NCT01935323).
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Papers by Noel McCaffrey