Although cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard to assess exercise capacity, simpler tests (i.e., 6-min walk test, 6MWT) are also commonly used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cardiorespiratory parameters during CPET and 6MWT in a large, multicentre, heterogeneous population. The investi...

Low energy availability (LEA) describes a state where the energy intake is insufficient to cover the energy costs of both exercise energy expenditure and basal physiological body functions.  LEA has been associated with various physiological consequences, such as reproductive dysfunction. However, the effect of LEA on skeletal muscle protein ...

Studies show that malnutrition is common among cancer patients, ranging from about 20% to more than 70%. It is known that malnutrition that is not managed properly worsens the course of the disease, prolongs the hospital stay, and impacts the quality of life and treatment toxicities.   Malnutrition has many negative effects, therefore indi...

Long COVID is suggested to be present in 14 to 43% of COVID 19-survivors. Literature on this new condition states a need for a multidisciplinary approach including physical exercise and nutrition.  The hypothesis is that an individualized nutritional therapy, combined with individualized physical rehabilitation program may lead to a faster ...

An adequate level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is critical for firefighters to perform the strenuous and physiologically demanding work of firefighting safely and effectively.   The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to negatively impact CRF in both the acute phase and longer-term following infection. This study aimed...

The study aims to compare ventilatory and cardiorespiratory responses between the COSMED Aquatrainer coupled with the K4b2 and K5 wearable metabolic systems in breath-by-breath mode over a wide range of swimming speeds.   Swimming with the AquaTrainer coupled with K5 (breath-by-breath mode) yields accurate, precise, and repeatable ventilat...

We would like to focus on the new ESPEN Standard Operating Procedures released on July 2023.   The previous 2019 guideline has been shortened and partially revised to provide best medical nutritional therapy to critically ill patients.   In the current guideline, the timing, route, dose and composition of nutrition will be discussed and ...

The energy demands of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) vary depending on pancreatic function, body composition, lung function, and clinical status. In clinical practice, predictive equations are used to determine energy requirements yet do not reliably account for these factors. Research regarding energy requirements during CF pulmon...

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been cases of prolonged symptoms, known as post-acute or chronic COVID-19 (long COVID). Detecting underlying causes of persistent symptoms in these patients can be challenging. In this recent report published in International Heart Journal, authors detail a 39-year-old male with excessive bod...

In the last decades, the energy cost assessment provided new insight on shuttle or constant running as training modalities. The aim of this study was to clarify if marathon runners and soccer players present specific energy cost values related to their training experience performing constant and shuttle running. There is growing evi...

Intestinal failure is defined as the inability to absorb the minimum of macro and micronutrients, minerals and vitamins due to a reduction in gut function. In a subpopulation of patients with a dysfunctional gastrointestinal system, treatment with total or supplemental parenteral nutrition is required. The golden standard for the determ...

Critically ill patients with obesity have unique and complex nutritional needs, with clinical practice guidelines conflicting regarding recommended energy targets.   The aim of this systematic review was to describe measured resting energy expenditure (mREE) reported in the literature and compare mREE to predicted energy target...

Indirect calorimetry is increasingly recommended to guide energy delivery in the ICU. This review aims to provide a critical overview of current literature in support of these recommendations.   There is insufficient evidence to ascertain a mortality benefit from indirect calorimetry-guided energy delivery. However, large variation...

Mechanically ventilated patients are weaned during acute care hospitalization when it is determined that they are ready for withdrawal. If weaning fails, patients are admitted to a rehabilitation medical center for continued supportive care and additional weaning attempts.   This study's objective is to increase the success rate of...

The evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) predicts morbidity and mortality independent of commonly obtained risk factors isbeyond dispute.   Observations establishing that the addition of CRF to algorithms for estimating cardiovascular disease risk reinforcesthe clinical utility of CRF.   Evidence suggesting that non-exercise e...

Nutritional optimisation is recognised as having significant impact on clinical and functional outcomes of critically ill patients.   Clinical recommendations suggest use of indirect calorimetry guided nutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU), and a recent systematic review demonstrated improved outcomes from its use.   The COVID-1...

Is exercise capacity reduced more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection among those with long COVID-19 (LC) symptoms compared with recovered individuals without symptoms, and what patterns of limitations on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are common? In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 studies comprising 2160 pa...

Although the marathon race has been democratized, it remains complex due to the famous “hitting the wall” phenomenon after the 25th km. To characterize this “wall” from a physiological and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) perspective in recreational marathon runners, we report first continuous breath-by-breath gas exchange measurements dur...

In this new review, the authors identify the pros and cons of Indirect Calorimetry (IC) to estimate Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and define individual nutritional energy targets among critically ill patients.  Indirect Calorimetry (IC) is a monitoring tool that provides factual information on metabolism. There is significant evidenc...

University of Nebraska at Omaha - Department of Biomechanics - relied on COSMED K5 to measure the metabolic cost of walking with a robotic waist tether. The metabolic rate during walking can be minimized by providing assistance at the waist of individuals undergoing physical therapy. By focusing on the center of mass of an individual, th...