Physiological responses to simulated rock climbing at different angles

PURPOSE: Although rock climbing has increased in popularity as a recreational activity and competitive sport, few studies have assessed the physiological demands of the activity. To describe the physiological responses to rock climbing at different angles. METHODS: Sixteen experienced climbers (age = 26 +/- 8 yr) attempted intermittent climbing bouts at different angles on a special rock climbing treadmill (Brewer's Ledge Treadwall). Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously, and VO2 was determined at 20-s intervals during each climbing bout. Immediately after each bout, the subject provided a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and an average of right and left handgrip force (HG) was obtained. Blood was collected via fingerprick after each bout and analyzed for lactate (BL). On a separate day, each subject completed a steady-state treadmill running bout at a HR equal to that obtained at an 86 degree angle during the climbing test. This test was followed by a progression to exhaustion to determine peak HR and VO2 responses. RESULTS: While HR increased with climbing angle, VO2 did not significantly vary. BL began to significantly increase as the angle exceeded vertical (91 degrees) and continued to increase with successive angles. HG decreased with increasing angle and was negatively correlated with BL (r = -0.96). Scores for RPE increased with steeper angles. The comparison of steady-state work at the same HR for climbing versus treadmill running revealed a higher VO2 during running with no differences in BL and RPE. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon these results, it was concluded that continuous rock climbing over terrain steepness of 80 degrees to 102 degrees presents a "very heavy" work challenge, averaging 8.4-9.0 metabolic equivalents, regardless of angle. Despite similar RPE and BL, the relative exercise intensity elicited from simulated rock climbing is lower than that of running at the same HR.     

Propulsion technique and anaerobic work capacity in elite wheelchair athletes: cross-sectional analysis

The UK Specialist Review Group of the General Dental Council's Education Committee has been charged with taking forward the recommendations in the Chief Dental Officer's report 'UK Specialist Dental Training'. The Specialist Review Group has, in turn, established a number of specialty task groups. This report is from the Task Group for Orthodontics. It was submitted in May 1996.     

Coaching at the top.

Presents a systems-oriented approach to the leadership development of top-level executives. A structured program is described that is designed to have a positive impact at the organizational level through focused work with the individual client. Leadership effectiveness is seen as strongly influenced by the individual's past, personal life, and work environment. Comprehensive information gathered from the client's work life and personal life increases understanding of behaviors that influence performance, and thereby fosters change. Development is perceived from a holistic point of view, with benefits to the organization accruing through increased effectiveness in any areas of the client's life. A case example (of a 40-yr-old male) is given to illustrate how this approach is put into effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Physiological, metabolic and biochemical responses of horses competing in the speed and endurance phase of a CCI*****3-day-event

The present study was undertaken to investigate physiological, metabolic, haematological and biochemical changes in horses competing in the Speed and Endurance test of a Concours Complet International (CCI)*****3-day-event held under FEI rules. A total of 28 horses competing in the Burghley Horse Trials Speed and Endurance test were selected to be monitored: 11 horses in 1993 and 17 horses in 1994. Of the 28 horses selected, 17 completed the Speed and Endurance test and went on to complete the showjumping test. Mean +/- s.d. shade temperature and relative humidity, black globe temperature and wind speed were 13 +/- 1 and 20 +/- 2 degrees C, 54 +/- 3 and 55 +/- 10%, 17 +/- 2 and 29 +/- 4 degrees C and 2.7 +/- 0.7 and 1.2 +/- 0.3 m/s, for 1993 and 1994, respectively. Mean heart rate during Phases A, B and D was not significantly different between years, but mean heart rate during Phase C and X was significantly higher in 1994. Mean (+/- s.d.) heart rate on Phase B and D for all horses in both 1993 and 1994 was 198 +/- 8 and 188 +/- 11 beats/min, respectively. Mean heart rate during Phase D showed a poor correlation with mean speed (r = 0.412). Total mean (+/- s.d.) weight loss from the start of Phase A to the end of Phase D was 15.5 +/- 6.1 kg in 1993 and 16.5 +/- 5 kg in 1994 and did not differ significantly between years. Following 14-18 h completion of Phase D, mean bodyweight was not significantly different from that at the start of Phase A in either year. Mean rectal temperature at the end of Phase D was 41 +/- 0.6 degrees C and 41.1 +/- 0.6 degrees C in 1993 and 1994, respectively (P > 0.05). Both the lowest (39.7 degrees C) and highest (41.8 degrees C) rectal temperatures were recorded at the end of Phase D in 1994. Plasma lactate concentrations at the end of Phase D were 8.5-38.5 mmol/l. The highest lactate concentration also coincided with the highest plasma glucose concentration (11.4 mmol/l) as well as the joint fastest time in either year, although overall lactate showed only weak correlations with mean speed on Phase D (r = 0.12, 1993; r = 0.58, 1994). While the Speed and Endurance test at CCI*****level run in a temperate climate presents a considerable challenge to the fitness and ability of the horses competing, the metabolic and physiological changes are not extreme. The majority of horses that finish the test appear to undergo a rapid and considerable degree of recovery and are able to present sound at the final inspection, take part in the showjumping test and complete the competition.     

Physiological responses of horses to a treadmill simulated speed and endurance test in high heat and humidity before and after humid heat acclimation

Food movements during complete feeding sequences on soft and hard foods (8 g of chicken spread, banana, and hard cookie) were investigated in 10 normal subjects; 6 of these subjects also ate 8 g peanuts. Foods were coated with barium sulfate. Lateral projection videofluorographic tapes were analyzed, and jaw and hyoid movements were established after digitization of records for 6 subjects. Sequences were divided into phases, each involving different food management behaviors. After ingestion, the bite was moved to the postcanines by a pull-back tongue movement (Stage I transport) and processed for different times depending on initial consistency. Stage II transport of chewed food through the fauces to the oropharyngeal surface of the tongue occurred intermittently during jaw motion cycles. This movement, squeeze-back, depended on tongue-palate contact. The bolus accumulated on the oropharyngeal surface of the tongue distal to the fauces, below the soft palate, but was cycled upward and forward on the tongue surface, returning through the fauces into the oral cavity. The accumulating bolus spread into the valleculae. The total oropharyngeal accumulation time differed with initial food consistency but could be as long as 8-10 sec for the hard foods. There was no predictable tongue-palate contact at any time in the sequence. A new model for bolus formation and deglutition is proposed.     

Physiological responses to maximal treadmill and handweighted exercise

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the peak physiological responses among four protocols that employed different amounts of handweighted exercise in 16 males (aged 26.3 +/- 4.1 years). The four protocols were (a) uphill treadmill running (UR; 3.36 m.s-1, 2.5% grade increase-3 min-1); (b) uphill treadmill walking while pumping 1.36-kg handweights (HW) (UWHW; 1.79 m.s-1, 5.0% grade increase x 3 min-1; (c) treadmill walking while pumping .91-kg HW (WHW; 1.79 m.s-1, 0% grade, .91-kg HW increase x 3 min-1); and (d) standing in place and pumping HW (SHW; arm work as described in WHW). It was hypothesized that the peak responses would be inversely proportional to the estimated muscle mass activated (i.e., UR = UWHW > WHW > SHW). Dependent variables included peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak ventilation (Ve peak), and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak). No differences were noted between UR and UWHW with respect to any of the dependent variables. All variables (except RERpeak) were greater (p < .01) in UR and UWHW than either WHW or SHW. RERpeak was greater (p < .01) in UR and UWHW than in WHW. VO2 peak and HRpeak were greater (p < .01) in WHW when compared to SHW. Mean VO2 peak was 97.5, 69.7, and 60% of UR for UWHW, WHW, and SHW, respectively. Therefore, walking and pumping handweights provides a maximal stimulus to the oxygen transport system.     

Physiological responses of premature infants to a painful stimulus

The purpose of this study was to describe the physiological responses of premature infants to an acute tissue-damaging stimulus and to determine how severity of illness and behavioral state influenced these responses. The physiological responses (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and intracranial pressure) of a convenience sample of 124 premature infants between 32 and 34 weeks gestational age were described during four phases of a routine heel stick procedure. Analysis of the results showed a significant multivariate main effect of phase on the group of physiological responses. Behavioral state was found to influence the physiological responses, but severity of illness did not.     

高炉炉顶粗煤气管道研究现状

对高炉粗煤气管道的相关文献资料进行归纳总结,得出了一些结论,可为相关工程设计提供有益参考.高炉炉顶粗煤气管道的连接方式主要有"裤裆管"式、"三岔管"式和"球节点"式,在使用过程中,高炉粗煤气管道出现的问题主要集中在上升管和下降管汇合处管皮和焊缝的开裂,以及下降管本身变形过大.     

Development of top high-grade non-grain-oriented silicon steels at Baosteel

The development,production and application of top high-grade non-grain-oriented ( NGO) silicon steels at Baosteel were introduced in this paper. Top high grades refer to the highest grades in the international silicon steel product standard and above. B35A230 and B50A250 were developed at Baosteel in 2009 and have been used in inverter compressors for air-conditioners,small transformers and big hydropower generators in the Three Gorges project. Smallbatch poduction of B35A210 and B50A230,which exceed the highest grades listed in the international silicon steel product standard,began in 2010. That was a breakthrough in the silicon steel making history in China. Presently,Baosteel’s high-grade NGO products have passed the strict qualifications of the three major electric power equipment manufacturers in China and the leading international power equipment suppliers like ALSTOM ,GE,SIEMENS,VESTAS,etc. These products are characterized by low iron loss,low anisotropy,good punchability and a high lamination factor. They have been used in the 770 MW hydropower generator at Xiluodu Power Station in the three gorges area,1 000 MW thermal power generators and 2. 5 MW wind power generators.