Validation of an equation for predicting energy cost of arm ergometry in women

Few studies have examined the validity of metabolic equations for the prediction of energy cost (VO(2)) of arm ergometry in women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (a) to compare directly measured and predicted VO(2) values using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) equation and (b) to develop and validate a prediction equation for women. A sample of 60 female subjects with mean (+/-SD) age, weight and height 26.5 +/- 14.4 years, 61.5 +/- 7.6 kg, 163.3 +/- 6.0 cm, respectively, was randomly assigned to an equation group (N = 40) and a cross validation group (N = 20). All subjects performed an incremental arm ergometry test (10 W increases every 2 min), until termination criteria were met. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant differences between the measured VO(2) and ACSM predicted VO(2) during all the incremental test work rate. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the following upper body exercise VO(2) prediction equation: VO(2)(ml . kg(-1) . min(-1) = 23.461 - (0.272 x Body Weight) + (0.403 x watts) [R(2) = 0.82, SEE = 2.79] Cross validation indicated lower variability using the current prediction equation. An additional independent sample of 13 subjects performed a 30-min steady-state test at 40% of their pre-determined maximal work rate. VO(2) measured during the 30 min steady-state test (was significantly different P < 0.05) from the ACSM prediction at all time intervals. There were no significant differences using the above equation following the 5 min time interval. Therefore, a new equation is proposed as a means of providing a gender-specific energy cost prediction equation.     

Cognitive performance in DSWPD patients upon awakening from habitual sleep compared with forced conventional sleep

Difficult early morning awakening is one of the defining symptoms of delayed sleep–wake phase disorder. It is accompanied by low cognitive arousal and drowsiness resulting in difficulty concentrating and focusing attention upon awakening. We designed the current study to quantitate cognitive performance (i.e. omissions, commissions, reaction time [average and variability]) and cognitive domains (i.e. focused attention, sustained attention, impulsivity and vigilance) with Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II during both habitual and conventional (00:00–07:00 hr) sleep–wake schedule in young adult patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (n = 20, mean age = 24.8 years, SD = 3.0) and controls (n = 16, mean age = 24.4 years, SD = 3.4). Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II was administered after awakening and in the afternoon during both habitual and conventional conditions. In‐laboratory polysomnography was performed for 2 nights. We assessed sleep, tiredness, chronotype and depression using questionnaires. Saliva was sampled for dim light melatonin onset measurements. Repeated‐measures ANOVAs were applied for the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II measures with group (patient/control), time (afternoon/morning) and condition (habitual/conventional schedule) as fixed factors. Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder had reduced reaction times, especially in the morning, greater response speed variability, and made more omission and commission errors compared with controls. Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder also had reduced focused attention, especially upon forced early awakening. The short total sleep time of patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder could not statistically explain this outcome. In conclusion, we observed a state‐dependent reduced ability to focus attention upon early morning awakening in patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder. Patients also had more omissions, longer reaction time and increased RT variability after habitual sleep, suggesting a possible small cognitive trait dysfunction in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder.     

Estimating sleep from multisensory armband measurements: validity and reliability in teens

Given the recognition that sleep may influence obesity risk, there is increasing interest in measuring sleep parameters within obesity studies. The goal of the current analyses was to determine whether the SenseWear^® Pro3 Armband (armband), typically used to assess physical activity, is reliable at assessing sleep parameters. The armband was compared with the AMI Motionlogger^® (actigraph), a validated activity monitor for sleep assessment, and with polysomnography, the gold standard for assessing sleep. Participants were 20 adolescents (mean age = 15.5 years) with a mean body mass index percentile of 63.7. All participants wore the armband and actigraph on their non‐dominant arm while in‐lab during a nocturnal polysomnographic recording (600 min). Epoch‐by‐epoch sleep/wake data and concordance of sleep parameters were examined. No significant sleep parameter differences were found between the armband and polysomnography; the actigraph tended to overestimate sleep and underestimate wake compared with polysomnography. Both devices showed high sleep sensitivity, but lower wake detection rates. Bland–Altman plots showed large individual differences in armband sleep parameter concordance rates. The armband did well estimating sleep overall, with group results more similar to polysomnography than the actigraph; however, the armband was less accurate at an individual level than the actigraph.     

An international effort examining nursing student attitudes toward older people

Variations in culture and heritage can greatly impact an individual's beliefs, practices, and attitudes and may influence healthcare. The purpose of this research was to better understand the attitudes of student nurses toward older adults in the United States and Costa Rica. An exploratory quantitative research design was utilized for this study. Data were collected using the Kogan Old Persons scale from American and Costa Rican pre-licensure nursing students. Results revealed that total scores were very similar between students on the Kogan positive scale and the Kogan negative scale. Half of the individual items revealed significant differences between students of different cultures. Overall, nursing students reported positive attitudes toward older people with individual differences found between nationality and individual items. Understanding cultural variances and commonalities on student nurse attitudes toward older adults is important to the delivery of culturally diverse nursing education and culturally congruent care.