METHODS: RPE, heart rate (HR), and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) data were retrospectively extracted from 3 lab-based crossover studies, with a pooled sample size of 45 adolescents, performing either cycling-based or running-based HIIE sessions. Within-participant correlations were calculated for RPE-HR and RPE-V˙O2, and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to establish RPE cut points.
RESULTS: The results showed that RPE-HR demonstrated acceptable criterion validity (r = .53-.74, P < .01), while RPE-V˙O2 had poor validity (r = .40-.48, P < .01), except for HIIE at 100% peak power (r = .59, P < .01). RPE cut points of 4 and 5 were established in corresponding to HR/V˙O2 based thresholds.
CONCLUSION: RPE has some utility in evaluating intensity during lab-based running or cycling HIIE in adolescents. Future studies should expand the validation and calibration of RPE for prescribing and monitoring HIIE in children and adolescents in field-based contexts.
METHODS: Participants (N.=27) with the mean age of 16.95±0.8 years, height of 165.6±6.1 cm and weight of 54.19±8.1 kg were matched into either modified exponential taper (N.=7), normal exponential taper (N.=7), or control (N.=7) groups using their initial VO2max values. Both experimental groups followed a 12-week progressive endurance training program and subsequently, a 2-week tapering phase. A simulated 20-km time trial performance along with VO2max, power output, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, pre and post-taper. One way ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between groups before the start of the intervention while mixed factorial ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between groups across measurement sessions. When homogeneity assumption was violated, the Greenhouse-Geisser Value was used for the corrected values of the degrees of freedom for the within subject factor the analysis.
RESULTS: Significant interactions between experimental groups and testing sessions were found in VO2max (F=6.67, df=4, P<0.05), power output (F=5.02, df=4, P<0.05), heart rate (F=10.87, df=2.51, P<0.05) rating of perceived exertion (F=13.04, df=4, P<0.05) and 20KM time trial (F=4.64, df=2.63, P<0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed that both types of taper exhibited positive effects compared to the non-taper condition in the measured performance markers at post-taper while no different were found between the two taper groups.
CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that both taper protocols successfully inducing physiological adaptations among the junior cyclists by reducing the volume and maintaining the intensity of training.
METHODS: Children having home overnight oximetry for suspected OSA were identified over 12 months, and those with a normal result who went on to have polysomnography (PSG) were included. Oximetry, including PR-SD and PRI (rises of 8, 10 and 15 beats/min per hour), was analyzed using commercially available software. PR parameters were compared between those with OSA (obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (OAHI) >1 event/h) and those without OSA.
RESULTS: One hundred sixteen children had normal oximetry, of whom 93 (median age 4.5 years; 55 % M) had PSG. Fifty-seven of 93 (61 %) children had OSA (median OAHI 4.5 events/h, range 1.1-24). PR-SD was not different between the OSA and non-OSA groups (p = 0.87). PRI tended to be higher in those with OSA, but there was considerable overlap between the groups: PRI-8 (mean ± SD 58.5 ± 29.0/h in OSA group vs 48.6 ± 20.2/h in non-OSA group, p = 0.07), PRI-10 (45.1 ± 25.0 vs 36.2 ± 16.7, p = 0.06) and PRI-15 (24.4 ± 14.5 vs 18.9 ± 9.0, p = 0.04). A PRI-15 threshold of >35/h had specificity of 97 % for OSA.
CONCLUSION: The PRI-15 shows promise as an indicator of OSA in children with normal oximetry.
METHODOLOGY: CT coronary angiography was performed on patients with Kawasaki disease diagnosed with coronary aneurysm or suspected to have coronary stenosis. Studies were performed using electrocardiogram-gated protocols. General anaesthesia was used in patients who were not cooperative for breathing control. Heart rate, image quality, and effective radiation dose were documented.
RESULTS: Fifty-two Kawasaki patients underwent CT coronary angiography to assess coronary artery lesions. Median heart rate was 88 beats per minute (range 50-165 beats/minute). Image quality was graded as excellent in 34 (65%) patients, good in 17 (32%), satisfactory in 1, and poor in 1 patient. Coronary artery aneurysm was found in 25 (bilateral = 6, unilateral = 19, multiple = 11). Thrombus was found in 11 patients resulting in partial and total occlusion in 8 and 3 patients, respectively. Coronary stenosis was noted in 2 patients. The effective radiation dose was 1.296 millisievert (median 0.81 millisievert). Better diagnostic imaging quality was significantly related to lower heart rate (p = 0.007).
CONCLUSION: Electrocardiogram-triggered CT coronary angiography provides a good diagnostic assessment of coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease.