Évaluation de la fréquence cardiaque au cours d'exercices en apnée chez des plongeurs experts et débutants

Introduction – The aim of this study was designed to measure the evolution of the heart rate (FC) during pool repeated short breath hold at rest and at different underwater swimming velocities.Methods and results – The population was composed of ten male subjects subdivided into two groups: trained (expert) and beginners. Each subject had to perform one series of breath hold divings at rest and three series to different underwater swimming velocities. A series corresponded to six divings of 30 second duration separated by a recovery period of 30 second. Results pointed out, a bradycardia more important for the experts at rest and some tachycardia after the emersion less important for the experts.Conclusion – This difference between the two populations, measured during the series in breath hold with muscular efforts, was identical with the difference obtained during the measure of bradycardia at rest. For the trainer, the determination of a bradycardia in immersion during a breath hold at rest allowed evaluation of the training of the diver and to optimise the underwater swimming velocities according to avoid the breath hold breaking point.     

Effets de la pratique de la gymnastique d’entretien chez des seniors sur la condition physique,la fonction cognitive et la prise médicamenteuse

Objective. – The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of regular gymnastic activity practice on fitness, cognitive function and medication in healthy elderly women.Method. – Twenty-four women were separated into 2 groups, a sedentary group and a gymnastic group. In order to be included in the gymnastic group, women needed to have participated for at least 2 consecutive years in gymnastic sessions for a minimum of 10 months per year. Subjects were on average aged 60.3 ± 1.4 years. All the women filled in clinical and physical activities questionnaires. Then the following tests were taken: Martinet, 6 min walking test, 3 static balance tests and a memory test.Results. – Walking speed (P < 0.01) and distance of walking (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the gymnastic group in comparison with the sedentary women and the consumption of medicine was significantly lower in active compared with sedentary women (P < 0.05). So, regular gymnastic practice reduces the consumption of medicine and could preserve autonomy by maintening an optimal walking speed, thus decreasing the risk of falls.     

Fréquence cardiaque chez des adolescents âgés de 11 à 16 ans lors de séances d'éducation physique intensifiées

Introduction – Exercise physiologists notice sometimes that Physical Education (PE) sessions are lacking of intensity. This lack of intensity would not allow obtaining desired physiological responses. Thus, we measured heart rate (HR) in adolescents (boys and girls) aged 11–16 years old during intensified EP lessons.Method and results – Sessions consisted in short intermittent running (G1) and jumping exercises (G2). Heart rate was averaged over 30 min. There was no significant difference between mean HR for G1 and G2 (154±12 vs 155±12 bpm, p<0.001). Nevertheless, for both G1 and G2, mean HR was significantly higher for girls than for boys (153±12 vs 156±12 bpm, p<0.001).Conclusion – This type of intensified lessons request at a high level adolescents HR (75.4±5.4% of maximal HR) to reach health objectives.