SOSTIENICI
Lafortuna dott. Claudio
Pubblicazioni su PubMed
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The "ON-OFF" Switching Response of Reactive Oxygen Species in Acute Normobaric Hypoxia: Preliminary Outcome.
Int J Mol Sci2023 Feb;24(4):. doi: 4012.
Mrakic-Sposta Simona, Gussoni Maristella, Marzorati Mauro, Porcelli Simone, Bosco Gerardo, Balestra Costantino, Montorsi Michela, Lafortuna Claudio, Vezzoli Alessandra
Abstract
Exposure to acute normobaric hypoxia (NH) elicits reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, whose production kinetics and oxidative damage were here investigated. Nine subjects were monitored while breathing an NH mixture (0.125 FO in air, about 4100 m) and during recovery with room air. ROS production was assessed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in capillary blood. Total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation (TBARS and 8-iso-PFG2?), protein oxidation (PC) and DNA oxidation (8-OH-dG) were measured in plasma and/or urine. The ROS production rate (?mol·min) was monitored (5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 300 min). A production peak (+50%) was reached at 4 h. The on-transient kinetics, exponentially fitted (t = 30 min = 0.995), were ascribable to the low O tension transition and the mirror-like related SpO decrease: 15 min: -12%; 60 min: -18%. The exposure did not seem to affect the prooxidant/antioxidant balance. Significant increases in PC (+88%) and 8-OH-dG (+67%) at 4 h in TBARS (+33%) one hour after hypoxia offset were also observed. General malaise was described by most of the subjects. Under acute NH, ROS production and oxidative damage resulted in time and SpO-dependent reversible phenomena. The experimental model could be suitable for evaluating the acclimatation level, a key element in the context of mountain rescues in relation to technical/medical workers who have not had enough time for acclimatization-as, for example, during helicopter flights.
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Correction to: Promoting healthy teenage behaviour across three European countries through the use of a novel smartphone technology platform, PEGASO fit for future: study protocol of a quasi-experimental, controlled, multi-Centre trial.
BMC Med Inform Decis Mak2021 Nov;21(1):337. doi: 337.
Puigdomenech Elisa, Martin Anne, Lang Alexandra, Adorni Fulvio, Gomez Santiago Felipe, McKinstry Brian, Prinelli Federica, Condon Laura, Rashid Rajeeb, Caon Maurizio, Atkinson Sarah, Lafortuna Claudio L, Ciociola Valentina, Hanley Janet, McCloughan Lucy, Castell Conxa, Espallargues Mireia,
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Variation of skeletal muscle ultrasound imaging intensity in horses after treadmill exercise: a proof of concept for glycogen content estimation.
BMC Vet Res2021 Mar;17(1):121. doi: 121.
Tabozzi Sarah A, Stancari Giovanni, Zucca Enrica, Tajoli Michela, Stucchi Luca, Lafortuna Claudio L, Ferrucci Francesco
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Glycogen in skeletal muscle is a major source of energy during exercise and an important determinant of endurance capacity, so that its measurement may provide a meaningful marker of athletes' preparation and a possible predictor of performance, both in humans and in equines. Gold standard of glycogen concentration measurement is the histochemical and biochemical analysis of biopsy-derived muscle tissue, an invasive and potentially injuring procedure. Recently, high-frequency ultrasound (US) technology is being exploited in human sports medicine to estimate muscle glycogen content. Therefore, aim of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of US assessment of muscle glycogen in equines.
RESULTS:
US images of gluteus medius (GL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were obtained on eight healthy horses (3-10?years) before and after a steady-state exercise on treadmill (velocity: 4.0-12.5?m/s; duration: 2-20?min; heart rate: 137-218 b/min). Average image greyscale intensity was significantly different between GL and ST, both before and after exercise (p?0.001). Comparing baseline and post-exercise US images, significant increase in greyscale intensity has been observed in ST (p?0.001), but not in GL (p?=?0.129). The volume of the exercise was significantly correlated with exercise-dependent change in image intensity (R?=?0.891), consistent with a reduction of glycogen muscle stores resulting from aerobic activity.
CONCLUSIONS:
US technique evidences also in horses muscle changes possibly associated to glycogen utilisation during exercise. Present results on a small sample need to be further confirmed and provide preliminary data warranting future validation by direct glycogen measurement through biopsy technique.
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Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity Habits Independently Affect Fat Oxidation in Fasting Conditions and Capillary Glucose Levels After Standardized Glucose-Rich Meal in Healthy Females.
Front Physiol2020 ;11():710. doi: 710.
Tabozzi Sarah A, Di Santo Simona G, Franchini Flaminia, Ratto Federica, Luchi Matilde, Filiputti Beatrice, Ardigò Luca P, Lafortuna Claudio L
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Sedentary behaviors and muscle inactivity are being growingly recognized as important risk factors for health, adjunctively and independently from a scarce physical activity (PA), although the metabolic mechanism underneath is barely clear. To explore the relation between sedentary behaviors (SBs) and metabolism, we measured the metabolic profile in fasting condition and after oral glucose overload in a group of women, along with objective monitoring of their PA/sedentary lifestyle habits.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
Thirteen women (age: 32.5 ± 16.1 years; BMI: 24.0 ± 3.3 kg/m), recruited among university students and research staff, underwent indirect calorimetry to assess fat and carbohydrate contribution to energy metabolism, in fasting conditions and after a glucose-rich standard meal (about 45 g of glucose). Glucose concentration in capillary blood was determined in fasting state and 15 and 30 min after meal. Habitual PA and SBs in the previous week were continuously monitored with Actigraph accelerometers.
RESULTS:
After adjustment for age, the contribution of fat oxidation to metabolic energy sources, normalized for fat-free mass, in fasting conditions was significantly correlated with time spent in sitting/lying position during wake hours (
CONCLUSIONS:
Here, we report for the first time a direct effect of muscle inactivity on increased fat oxidation in fasting conditions, which can be hypothesized as a preliminary condition for the development of insulin resistance. We also report the direct independent effect of PA on the capacity to respond to a glycemic load, so that SBs and reduced PA appear to concur, although independently, to the increased health risk, as elsewhere observed on an epidemiological ground.
Copyright © 2020 Tabozzi, Di Santo, Franchini, Ratto, Luchi, Filiputti, Ardigò and Lafortuna.
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A Mobile Phone Intervention to Improve Obesity-Related Health Behaviors of Adolescents Across Europe: Iterative Co-Design and Feasibility Study.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth2020 Mar;8(3):e14118. doi: e14118.
Martin Anne, Caon Maurizio, Adorni Fulvio, Andreoni Giuseppe, Ascolese Antonio, Atkinson Sarah, Bul Kim, Carrion Carme, Castell Conxa, Ciociola Valentina, Condon Laura, Espallargues Mireia, Hanley Janet, Jesuthasan Nithiya, Lafortuna Claudio L, Lang Alexandra, Prinelli Federica, Puidomenech Puig Elisa, Tabozzi Sarah A, McKinstry Brian
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Promotion of physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and reduced sedentary behavior in adolescents is a major priority globally given the current increase in population health challenges of noncommunicable diseases and risk factors such as obesity. Adolescents are highly engaged with mobile technology, but the challenge is to engage them with mobile health (mHealth) technology. Recent innovations in mobile technology provide opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle in adolescents. An increasingly utilized approach to facilitate increased engagement with mHealth technology is to involve potential users in the creation of the technology.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to describe the process of and findings from co-designing and prototyping components of the PEGASO Fit for Future (F4F) mHealth intervention for adolescents from different cultural backgrounds.
METHODS:
A total of 74 adolescents aged 13 to 16 years from Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom participated in the co-design of the PEGASO F4F technology. In 3 iterative cycles over 12 months, participants were involved in the co-design, refinement, and feasibility testing of a system consisting of diverse mobile apps with a variety of functions and facilities to encourage healthy weight-promoting behaviors. In the first iteration, participants attended a single workshop session and were presented with mock-ups or early-version prototypes of different apps for user requirements assessment and review. During the second iteration, prototypes of all apps were tested by participants for 1 week at home or school. In the third iteration, further developed prototypes were tested for 2 weeks. Participants' user experience feedback and development ideas were collected through focus groups and completion of questionnaires.
RESULTS:
For the PEGASO F4F technology to be motivating and engaging, participants suggested that it should (1) allow personalization of the interface, (2) have age-appropriate and easy-to-understand language (of icons, labels, instructions, and notifications), (3) provide easily accessible tutorials on how to use the app or navigate through a game, (4) present a clear purpose and end goal, (5) have an appealing and self-explanatory reward system, (6) offer variation in gamified activities within apps and the serious game, and (7) allow to seek peer support and connect with peers for competitive activities within the technology.
CONCLUSIONS:
Incorporating adolescents' preferences, the PEGASO F4F technology combines the functions of a self-monitoring, entertainment, advisory, and social support tool. This was the first study demonstrating that it is possible to develop a complex mobile phone-based technological system applying the principles of co-design to mHealth technology with adolescents across 3 countries. The findings from this study informed the development of an mHealth system for healthy weight promotion to be tested in a controlled multinational pilot trial.
©Anne Martin, Maurizio Caon, Fulvio Adorni, Giuseppe Andreoni, Antonio Ascolese, Sarah Atkinson, Kim Bul, Carme Carrion, Conxa Castell, Valentina Ciociola, Laura Condon, Mireia Espallargues, Janet Hanley, Nithiya Jesuthasan, Claudio L Lafortuna, Alexandra Lang, Federica Prinelli, Elisa Puidomenech Puig, Sarah A Tabozzi, Brian McKinstry. Originally published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 02.03.2020.
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Promoting healthy teenage behaviour across three European countries through the use of a novel smartphone technology platform, PEGASO fit for future: study protocol of a quasi-experimental, controlled, multi-Centre trial.
BMC Med Inform Decis Mak2019 Dec;19(1):278. doi: 278.
Puigdomenech Elisa, Martin Anne, Lang Alexandra, Adorni Fulvio, Gomez Santiago Felipe, McKinstry Brian, Prinelli Federica, Condon Laura, Rashid Rajeeb, Caon Maurizio, Atkinson Sarah, Lafortuna Claudio L, Ciociola Valentina, Hanley Janet, McCloughan Lucy, Castell Conxa, Espallargues Mireia,
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity, diet, sleep and sedentary behaviour of teenagers show promise when delivered through smartphones. However, to date there is no evidence of effectiveness of multicomponent smartphone-based interventions. Utilising a user-centred design approach, we developed a theory-based, multi-dimensional system, PEGASO Fit For Future (PEGASO F4F), which exploits sophisticated game mechanics involving smartphone applications, a smartphone game and activity sensors to motivate teenagers to take an active role in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This paper describes the study protocol to assess the feasibility, usability and effectiveness (knowledge/awareness and behavioural change in lifestyle) of the PEGASO system.
METHODS:
We are conducting a quasi-experimental controlled cluster trial in 4 sites in Spain, Italy, and UK (England, Scotland) over 6?months. We plan to recruit 525, in a 2:1 basis, teenagers aged 13-16?years from secondary schools. The intervention group is provided with the PEGASO system whereas the comparison group continues their usual educational routine. Outcomes include feasibility, acceptance, and usability of the PEGASO system as well as between and within group changes in motivation, self-reported diet, physical activity, sedentary and sleeping behaviour, anthropometric measures and knowledge about a healthy lifestyle.
DISCUSSION:
PEGASO F4F will provide evidence into the cross-cultural similarities and differences in the feasibility, acceptability and usability of a multi-dimensional smartphone based behaviour change intervention for teenagers. The study will explore facilitating factors, challenges and barriers of engaging teenagers to adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle when using smartphone technology. Positive results from this ICT based multi component intervention may have significant implications both at clinical level, improving teenagers health and at public health level since it can present an influential tool against the development of chronic disease during adulthood.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
https://clinicaltrials.gov Registration number: NCT02930148, registered 4 October 2016.
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Influence of the Size of the Field of View on Visual Perception While Running in a Treadmill-Mediated Virtual Environment.
Front Psychol2019 ;10():2344. doi: 2344.
Caramenti Martina, Pretto Paolo, Lafortuna Claudio L, Bresciani Jean-Pierre, Dubois Amandine
Abstract
We investigated how the size of the horizontal field of view (FoV) affects visual speed perception with individuals running on a treadmill. Twelve moderately trained to trained participants ran on a treadmill at two different speeds (8 and 12 km/h) in front of a moving virtual scene. Different masks were used to manipulate the visible visual field, masking either the central or the peripheral area of the virtual scene or showing the full visual field. We asked participants to match the visual speed of the scene to their actual running speed. For each trial, participants indicated whether the scene was moving faster or slower than they were running. Visual speed was adjusted according to the responses using a staircase method until the Point of Subjective Equality was reached, that is until visual and running speed were perceived as matching. For both speeds and all FoV conditions, participants underestimated visual speed relative to the actual running speed. However, this underestimation was significant only when the peripheral FoV was masked. These results confirm that the size of the FoV should absolutely be taken into account for the design of treadmill-mediated virtual environments (VEs).
Copyright © 2019 Caramenti, Pretto, Lafortuna, Bresciani and Dubois.
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Regular physical activity modulates perceived visual speed when running in treadmill-mediated virtual environments.
PLoS One2019 ;14(6):e0219017. doi: e0219017.
Caramenti Martina, Lafortuna Claudio L, Mugellini Elena, Abou Khaled Omar, Bresciani Jean-Pierre, Dubois Amandine
Abstract
In virtual reality, visual speed is usually underestimated relative to locomotor speed. Here we investigated how physical activity and fitness affect perceived visual speed when running in a treadmill-mediated virtual environment. Thirty healthy participants (ten sedentary individuals, ten team sport players and ten expert runners) ran on a treadmill at two different speeds (8, 12km/h) in front of a moving virtual scene. Participants were asked to match the speed of the visual scene to their running speed (i.e. treadmill speed), indicating for each trial whether the scene was moving slower or faster than the treadmill. The speed of the visual scene was adjusted according to the participant's response using a staircase until visual and running speeds were perceived as equivalent. More sedentary participants underestimated visual speed relative to their actual running speed. Specifically, visual speed had to exceed running speed to be perceived as equivalent. The underestimation of visual speed was speed-dependent, and it was significantly larger for sedentary participants than for team sports players and expert runners. The volume of physical activity per week was found to be the best predictor of visual speed perception for both running speeds, while the perceived effort constituted a good predictor only at 8km/h. Physical fitness, on the other hand turned out to be a poor predictor of visual speed perception. Therefore, in order to enhance users' engagement and their adherence to physical activity programs, the development of "personalized" treadmill-mediated virtual environments should take into account users' personal characteristics to provide the most natural and engaging feedback possible.
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Evaluation of the Tinetti score and fall risk assessment via accelerometry-based movement analysis.
Artif Intell Med2019 Apr;95():38-47. doi: 10.1016/j.artmed.2018.08.005.
Rivolta Massimo W, Aktaruzzaman Md, Rizzo Giovanna, Lafortuna Claudio L, Ferrarin Maurizio, Bovi Gabriele, Bonardi Daniela R, Caspani Andrea, Sassi Roberto
Abstract
Gait and balance disorders are among the main predisposing factors of falls in elderly. Clinical scales are widely employed to assess the risk of falling, but they require trained personnel. We investigate the use of objective measures obtained from a wearable accelerometer to evaluate the fall risk, determined by the Tinetti clinical scale. Seventy-nine patients and eleven volunteers were enrolled in two rehabilitation centers and underwent a full Tinetti test, while wearing a triaxial accelerometer at the chest. Tinetti scores were assessed by expert physicians and those subjects with a score ?18 were considered at high risk. First, we analyzed 21 accelerometer features by means of statistical tests and correlation analysis. Second, one regression and one classification problem were designed and solved using a linear model (LM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the Tinetti outcome. Pearson's correlation between the Tinetti score and a subset of 9 features (mainly related with standing and walking) was 0.71. The misclassification error of high risk patient was 0.21 and 0.11, for LM and ANN, respectively. The work might foster the development of a new generation of applications meant to monitor the time evolution of the fall risk using low cost devices at home.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Matching optical flow to motor speed in virtual reality while running on a treadmill.
PLoS One2018 ;13(4):e0195781. doi: e0195781.
Caramenti Martina, Lafortuna Claudio L, Mugellini Elena, Abou Khaled Omar, Bresciani Jean-Pierre, Dubois Amandine
Abstract
We investigated how visual and kinaesthetic/efferent information is integrated for speed perception in running. Twelve moderately trained to trained subjects ran on a treadmill at three different speeds (8, 10, 12 km/h) in front of a moving virtual scene. They were asked to match the visual speed of the scene to their running speed-i.e., treadmill's speed. For each trial, participants indicated whether the scene was moving slower or faster than they were running. Visual speed was adjusted according to their response using a staircase until the Point of Subjective Equality (PSE) was reached, i.e., until visual and running speed were perceived as equivalent. For all three running speeds, participants systematically underestimated the visual speed relative to their actual running speed. Indeed, the speed of the visual scene had to exceed the actual running speed in order to be perceived as equivalent to the treadmill speed. The underestimation of visual speed was speed-dependent, and percentage of underestimation relative to running speed ranged from 15% at 8km/h to 31% at 12km/h. We suggest that this fact should be taken into consideration to improve the design of attractive treadmill-mediated virtual environments enhancing engagement into physical activity for healthier lifestyles and disease prevention and care.
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Reply-Letter to the Editor-Superiority of new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure.
Clin Nutr2018 Jun;37(3):1085-1086. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.037.
Orozco-Ruiz Ximena, Pichardo-Ontiveros Edgar, Tovar Armando R, Torres Nimbe, Medina-Vera Isabel, Prinelli Federica, Lafortuna Claudio L, Guevara-Cruz Martha
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Development and validation of new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in adults with overweight and obesity.
Clin Nutr2018 Dec;37(6 Pt A):2198-2205. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.10.022.
Orozco-Ruiz Ximena, Pichardo-Ontiveros Edgar, Tovar Armando R, Torres Nimbe, Medina-Vera Isabel, Prinelli Federica, Lafortuna Claudio L, Guevara-Cruz Martha
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS:
Accurate predictive equations of resting energy expenditure (REE) are crucial in devising nutritional strategies to manage overweight/obesity, especially in countries where these are highly prevalent. REE is the most common measurement used to estimate energy requirements in the nutritional context; the most accurate method of measuring REE is indirect calorimetry (IC). However, this method is costly and often rarely feasible in many clinical settings. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a new equation for predicting REE in adults with overweight and obesity.
METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional study including 410 men and women with overweight and obesity (20-60 y). Participants were randomly assigned; the development group included 200 subjects and the validation group 210 subjects. The new predictive equation was derived using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. The accuracy of the new equation was compared to several existing predictive equations (PEs). The accuracy rate was calculated as the percentage of subjects whose REE-PE was within ±10% of the REE-IC. REE was measured by IC and anthropometric measurements.
RESULTS:
One predictive equation was developed (NEQ) in which weight was the strongest predictor of REE. Compared with others predicted equations already using, the new designed equation showed the less mean bias (Kj/day): NEQ: 25.7, Valencia:129, WHO/FAO/United Nations University: 270, Mifflin-St Jeor: 308, Owen: -808, Carrasco: -1097, Korth: -36.4, Johnstone: -375, Livingstone: -315, De Lorenzo: -28.3, Lazzer: -123, Muller: -145, Huang: -399 and Bernstein: -1335.
CONCLUSIONS:
The present equation had the highest predictive accuracy in subjects with overweight or obesity compared with the previous equations derived from different populations. Thus, these new equation can be used to assist the nutritional management of these subjects.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.
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Clinical, functional, behavioural and epigenomic biomarkers of obesity.
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)2017 Jun;22(10):1655-1681.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Tovar Armando R, Rastelli Fabio, Tabozzi Sarah A, Caramenti Martina, Orozco-Ruiz Ximena, Aguilar-Lopez Miriam, Guevara-Cruz Martha, Avila-Nava Azalia, Torres Nimbe, Bertoli Gloria
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent conditions worldwide, linked to an increased risk for death, disability and disease due to metabolic and biochemical abnormalities affecting the biological human system throughout different domains. Biomarkers, defined as indicators of biological processes in health and disease, relevant for body mass excess management have been identified according to different criteria, including anthropometric and molecular indexes, as well as physiological and behavioural aspects. Analysing these different biomarkers, we identified their potential role in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Epigenetic biomarkers, cellular mediators of inflammation and factors related to microbiota-host interactions may be considered to have a theranostic value. Though, the molecular processes responsible for the biological phenomenology detected by the other analysed markers, is not clear yet. Nevertheless, these biomarkers possess valuable diagnostic and prognostic power. A new frontier for theranostic biomarkers can be foreseen in the exploitation of parameters defining behaviours and lifestyles linked to the risk of obesity, capable to describe the effects of interventions for obesity prevention and treatment which include also behaviour change strategies.
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Automatic vs. clinical assessment of fall risk in older individuals: A proof of concept.
Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc2015 ;2015():6935-8. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319987.
Rivolta Massimo W, Aktaruzzaman Md, Rizzo Giovanna, Lafortuna Claudio L, Ferrarin Maurizio, Bovi Gabriele, Bonardi Daniela R, Sassi Roberto
Abstract
Falling in elderly is a worldwide major problem because it can lead to severe injuries, and even sudden death. Fall risk prediction would provide rapid intervention, as well as reducing the over burden of healthcare systems. Such prediction is currently performed by means of clinical scales. Among them, the Tinetti Scale is one of the better established and mostly used in clinical practice. In this work, we proposed an automatic method to assess the Tinetti scores using a wearable accelerometer. The balance and gait characteristics of 13 elderly subjects have been scored by an expert clinician while performing 8 different motor tasks according to the Tinetti Scale protocol. Two statistical analysis were selected. First, a linear regression study was performed between the Tinetti scores and 8 features (one feature for each task). Second, the generalization quality of the regression model was assessed using a Leave-One SubjectOut approach. The multiple linear regression provided a high correlation between the Tinetti scores and the features proposed (adj. R(2) = 0.948; p = 0.003). Moreover, six of the eight features added statistically significantly to the prediction of the scores (p
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Automatic muscle and fat segmentation in the thigh from T1-Weighted MRI.
J Magn Reson Imaging2016 Mar;43(3):601-10. doi: 10.1002/jmri.25031.
Orgiu Sara, Lafortuna Claudio L, Rastelli Fabio, Cadioli Marcello, Falini Andrea, Rizzo Giovanna
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To introduce and validate an automatic segmentation method for the discrimination of skeletal muscle (SM), and adipose tissue (AT) components (subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT] and intermuscular adipose tissue [IMAT]) from T1-weighted (T1 -W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the thigh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Eighteen subjects underwent an MRI examination on a 1.5T Philips Achieva scanner. Acquisition was performed using a T1 -W sequence (TR?=?550 msec, TE?=?15 msec), pixel size between 0.81-1.28?mm, slice thickness of 6?mm. Bone, AT, and SM were discriminated using a fuzzy c-mean algorithm and morphologic operators. The muscle fascia that separates SAT from IMAT was detected by integrating a morphological-based segmentation with an active contour Snake. The method was validated on five young normal weight, five older normal weight, and five older obese females, comparing automatic with manual segmentations.
RESULTS:
We reported good performance in the extraction of SM, AT, and bone in each subject typology (mean sensitivity above 96%, mean relative area difference of 1.8%, 2.7%, and 2.5%, respectively). A mean distance between contours pairs of 0.81?mm and a mean percentage of contour points with distance smaller than 2 pixels of 86.2% were obtained in the muscle fascia identification. Significant correlation was also found between manual and automatic IMAT and SAT cross-sectional areas in all subject typologies (p
CONCLUSION:
The proposed automatic segmentation approach provides adequate thigh tissue segmentation and may be helpful in studies of regional composition.
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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PEGASO: A Personalised and Motivational ICT System to Empower Adolescents Towards Healthy Lifestyles.
Stud Health Technol Inform2014 ;207():350-9.
Carrino Stefano, Caon Maurizio, Angelini Leonardo, Mugellini Elena, Abou Khaled Omar, Orte Silvia, Vargiu Eloisa, Coulson Neil, Serrano José C E, Tabozzi Sarah, Lafortuna Claudio, Rizzo Giovanna
Abstract
Unhealthy alimentary behaviours and physical inactivity habits are key risk factors for major non communicable diseases. Several researches demonstrate that juvenile obesity can lead to serious medical conditions, pathologies and have important psycho-social consequences. PEGASO is a multidisciplinary project aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among teenagers through assistive technology. The core of this project is represented by the ICT system, which allows providing tailored interventions to the users through their smartphones in order to motivate them. The novelty of this approach consists of developing a Virtual Individual Model (VIM) for user characterization, which is based on physical, functional and behavioural parameters opportunely selected by experts. These parameters are digitised and updated thanks to the user monitoring through smartphone; data mining algorithms are applied for the detection of activity and nutrition habits and this information is used to provide personalised feedback. The user interface will be developed using gamified approaches and integrating serious games to effectively promote health literacy and facilitate behaviour change.
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Skeletal muscle characteristics and motor performance after 2-year growth hormone treatment in adults with prader-willi syndrome.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab2014 May;99(5):1816-24. doi: 10.1210/jc.2013-3607.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Minocci Alessandro, Capodaglio Paolo, Gondoni Luca A, Sartorio Alessandro, Vismara Luca, Rizzo Giovanna, Grugni Graziano
Abstract
CONTEXT:
In adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), abnormal body composition with decreased lean body mass and skeletal muscle (SM) volume has been related to altered GH secretion and may possibly contribute to greatly reduced motor capacity.
OBJECTIVE:
The scope of the study was to test the hypothesis that GH treatment has favorable effects on SM characteristics and motor performance in adults with PWS.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
Fifteen obese PWS subjects (nine males and six females; age range, 19-35 y; body mass index, 37.7-59.9 kg/m(2)) were investigated before and after 12 (GH12) and 24 (GH24) months of GH treatment.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
SM cross-sectional area and SM attenuation were determined with computed tomography at the lumbar and midthigh levels. Maximal isometric handgrip strength and isokinetic knee extension peak torque were measured. Motor performance was evaluated with different indoor walking tests, whereas exercise endurance was assessed with a treadmill incremental test to exhaustion.
RESULTS:
A condition of severe GH deficiency was found in six patients (40%). GH treatment significantly increased lean body mass (GH12, P
CONCLUSION:
Long-term GH treatment in adult PWS patients improves body composition and muscle size and quality and increases muscle strength and exercise tolerance independently from the GH secretory status.
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Influence of body adiposity on structural characteristics of skeletal muscle in men and women.
Clin Physiol Funct Imaging2014 Jan;34(1):47-55. doi: 10.1111/cpf.12062.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Tresoldi Daniele, Rizzo Giovanna
Abstract
The structure of skeletal muscle (SM) can be characterized by quantitative (size) and qualitative (composition) attributes, which are disparately reported to be influenced by body adiposity. This study tests the hypothesis that body adiposity exerts a systematic influence on these muscle characteristics and evaluates the possible functional implications for movements. Lower limb SM volume (VSM) and attenuation (ATTSM), an inverse measure of lipid infiltration in muscle, were determined with computed tomography in 21 men (BMI = 21-36 kg m(-2) ; age = 31-71 years.) and 18 women (BMI = 19-35 kg m(-2) ; age = 32-76 years.). After adjusting for age, a multivariate regression analysis revealed that body adiposity positively correlated (P
© 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Ontology-supported clinical profiling for the evaluation of obesity and related comorbidities.
Stud Health Technol Inform2012 ;180():1025-9.
Scala Paolo L, Di Pasquale Davide, Tresoldi Daniele, Lafortuna Claudio L, Rizzo Giovanna, Padula Marco
Abstract
An ontology-supported e-knowledge base aimed to the evaluation of obesity and related co-morbidities is presented. The main goal of such a clinical profiling tool is to help determine the health status of a subject, supporting the knowledge transfer between medical researchers and general practitioners.
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Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components among obese men and women in Italy.
Obes Facts2012 ;5(1):127-37. doi: 10.1159/000336700.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Agosti Fiorenza, De Col Alessandra, Pera Franca, Adorni Fulvio, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Assessment of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in Italian obese individuals.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional estimate of MetS prevalence using the IDF definition in 635 obese (BMI ? 35 kg/m(2)) individuals (286 men, 349 women) aged 19-78 years hospitalised for mass excess treatment.
RESULTS:
MetS prevalence was significantly (p
CONCLUSIONS:
MetS is a highly prevalent condition among Italian obese individuals. Prevalence and combinations of involved abnormalities differ considerably between genders and suggest a different pathophysiology of the MetS in men and women, with possible relevance for prevention and treatment of the condition.
Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Commentaries on Viewpoint: can muscle size fully account for strength differences between children and adults?
J Appl Physiol (1985)2011 Jun;110(6):1750-3; discussion on page 1754. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00371.2011.
Herzog Walter, Sartorio Alessandro, Lafortuna Claudio L, Kanehisa Hiroaki, Fukunaga Tetsuo, Dotan Raffy, Falk Bareket, Wood Louise E, Tonson Anne, Le Fur Yann, Cozzone Patrick J, Bendahan David, Tolfrey Keith, Morse Christopher I, O'Brien Thomas D, Reeves Neil D, Baltzopoulos Vasilios, Jones David A, Maganaris Constantinos N, Lambertz Daniel, Grosset Jean-Francois, Perot Chantal
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Gas exchange kinetics in obese adolescents. Inferences on exercise tolerance and prescription.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol2010 Nov;299(5):R1298-305. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00038.2010.
Salvadego Desy, Lazzer Stefano, Busti Carlo, Galli Raffaela, Agosti Fiorenza, Lafortuna Claudio, Sartorio Alessandro, Grassi Bruno
Abstract
A functional evaluation of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism was performed in a group of obese adolescents (OB). The various components of pulmonary O(2) uptake (Vo(2)) kinetics were evaluated during 10-min constant-load exercises (CLE) on a cycloergometer at different percentages of Vo(2max). The relationships of these components with the gas exchange threshold (GET) were determined. Fourteen male OB [age 16.5 ± 1.0 (SD) yr, body mass index 34.5 ± 3.1 kg·m(-2)] and 13 normal-weight, age-matched nonathletic male volunteers (control group) were studied. The time-constant (?f) of the fundamental component and the presence, pattern, and relative amplitude of the slow component of Vo(2) kinetics were determined at 40, 60, and 80% of Vo(2max), previously estimated during an incremental test. Vo(2max) (l/min) was similar in the two groups. GET was lower in OB (55.7 ± 6.7% of Vo(2max)) than in control (65.1 ± 5.2%) groups. The ?f was higher in OB subjects, indicating a slower fundamental component. At CLE 60% (above GET in OB subjects, below GET in control subjects) a slow component was observed in nine out of fourteen OB subjects, but none in the control group. All subjects developed a slow component at CLE 80% (above GET in both OB and control). Twelve OB subjects did not complete the 10-min CLE 80% due to voluntary exhaustion. In nine OB subjects, the slow component was characterized by a linear increase in Vo(2) as a function of time. The slope of this increase was inversely related to the time to exhaustion. The above findings should negatively affect exercise tolerance in obese adolescents and suggest an impairment of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. Also in obese adolescents, exercise evaluation and prescription at submaximal loads should be done with respect to GET and not at a given percentage of Vo(2max).
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Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among extremely obese adolescents in Italy and Germany.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract2010 Apr;88(1):14-21. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2010.01.008.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Adorni Fulvio, Agosti Fiorenza, De Col Alessandra, Sievert Kolja, Siegfried Wolfgang, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
Juvenile metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing major medical problem in industrialised countries. We estimated its prevalence among two similar clinic-based sequentially recruited cohorts of extremely obese adolescents (age: 12-18 years) from Italy (N=665, males=271, females=394) and Germany (N=661, males=261, females=400) using the recent IDF paediatric criteria. The prevalence of the MetS was 23.3% among the Italians and 40.4% among the Germans. A multivariate logistic regression revealed an increased risk related to age (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59-3.16; p
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Fat oxidation rate during and after a low- or high-intensity exercise in severely obese Caucasian adolescents.
Eur J Appl Physiol2010 Jan;108(2):383-91. doi: 10.1007/s00421-009-1234-z.
Lazzer Stefano, Lafortuna Claudio, Busti Carlo, Galli Raffaela, Tinozzi Tiziana, Agosti Fiorenza, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
The objective is to study the effects of low-intensity (LI) or high-intensity (HI) equicaloric exercises on energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation rate during and after the exercises in severely obese Caucasian adolescents. Twenty obese boys (BMI-SDS 3.04 +/- 0.52, %Fat Mass 38.2 +/- 2.1%) aged 14-16 years (pubertal stage >3) participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (V'O(2max)) and maximal fat oxidation rate were determined with indirect calorimetry using a graded exercise test on a treadmill. EE and substrate oxidation rate during equicaloric low-intensity (LI, 42% V'O(2max) for 45 min) and high-intensity (HI, 67% V'O(2max) for 30 min) exercises on a treadmill and during post-exercise recovery period (60 min) were determined with indirect calorimetry. Maximal fat oxidation rate was observed at 42 +/- 6% V'O(2max) (62 +/- 5% HR(max)) and fat oxidation rate was 0.45 +/- 0.07 g/min. The total amounts of EE, during the LI and HI exercises, and the post-exercise recovery periods were not significantly different (1,884 +/- 250 vs. 1,973 +/- 201 kJ, p = 0.453), but the total amount of fat oxidised was significantly higher (+9.9 g, +55.7%, p
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Relationship between basal metabolic rate, gender, age, and body composition in 8,780 white obese subjects.
Obesity (Silver Spring)2010 Jan;18(1):71-8. doi: 10.1038/oby.2009.162.
Lazzer Stefano, Bedogni Giorgio, Lafortuna Claudio L, Marazzi Nicoletta, Busti Carlo, Galli Raffaela, De Col Alessandra, Agosti Fiorenza, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to explore the relationship between basal metabolic rate (BMR), gender, age, anthropometric characteristics, and body composition in severely obese white subjects. In total, 1,412 obese white children and adolescents (BMI > 97 degrees percentile for gender and age) and 7,368 obese adults (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) from 7 to 74 years were enrolled in this study. BMR was measured using an indirect calorimeter equipped with a canopy and fat free mass (FFM) were obtained using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Using analysis of covariance, we tested the effect of gender on the relationship between BMR, age, anthropometry, and body composition. In children and adolescents, the predictor x gender interaction was significant in all cases except for FFM x gender. In adults, all predictor x gender interactions were significant. A prediction equation based on body weight (BW), age, and gender had virtually the same accuracy of the one based on FFM, age, and gender to predict BMR in both children and adults (R(2)(adj) = 0.59 and 0.60, respectively). In conclusion, gender was a significant determinant of BMR in children and adolescents but not in adults. Our results support the hypothesis that the age-related decline in BMR is due to a reduction in FFM. Finally, anthropometric predictors of BMR are as accurate as body composition estimated by BIA.
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The energetic and cardiovascular response to treadmill walking and cycle ergometer exercise in obese women.
Eur J Appl Physiol2008 Aug;103(6):707-17. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0758-y.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Agosti Fiorenza, Galli Raffaela, Busti Carlo, Lazzer Stefano, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
Physical activity is essential in obesity management, but exercise capacity is compromised in obese individuals due to the excessive body mass, impacting on body movement's energetics, and to the dysfunctions of regulatory mechanisms, affecting cardiovascular responses. This study aims to compare the energetics and cardiovascular responses of walking and cycling in obese women, and to formulate recommendations regarding the most suitable type of exercise for obesity. Fifteen obese (OB) and six normal weight (NW) women exercised on treadmill (TM) and cycle ergometer (CE). During both exercise modalities, metabolic rate was higher in OB than in NW and correlated with measures of body mass. Leg movement metabolic rate during cycling depended upon individual adiposity, and when accounted for, mechanical efficiency was similar in the two groups. When accounting for extra mass, differences in metabolic rate among groups are abolished for CE, indicating no obesity impairment of muscle efficiency, but not for TM, suggesting that differences in biomechanics may explain the higher net cost of transport of OB. In both groups, HR was higher during CE than TM at the same oxygen uptake (VO(2)), but in OB the HR increment over VO(2) was greater for CE than for TM. Therefore, due to different cardiovascular responses to TM and CE in OB, walking is more convenient, enabling OB to attain target energy expenditure at lower HR or in a shorter time.
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Muscle strength and power, maximum oxygen consumption, and body composition in middle-aged short-stature adults with childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency.
Arch Med Res2008 Jan;39(1):78-83.
Sartorio Alessandro, Agosti Fiorenza, De Col Alessandra, Mazzilli Giuliana, Marazzi Nicoletta, Busti Carlo, Galli Raffaela, Lafortuna Claudio L
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Growth hormone (GH) replacement in adult GH-deficient (GHD) patients is reported to have a long-term beneficial effect on muscle mass and function, these effects being greater in young males and in adult-onset compared with those with childhood-onset GHD. To date, more discordant data are reported on the degree of muscle impairment in untreated GHD patients, due to the large heterogeneity of this syndrome.
METHODS:
Muscle maximum total isotonic strength (ST), lower limb maximum power output (W), maximum aerobic capacity (VO(2)max) and body composition (by tetrapolar bio-impedentiometry) were evaluated in seven short-stature adults with childhood-onset GHD and in seven age-matched normal-stature controls with comparable lifestyle and daily physical activity.
RESULTS:
Significant differences were found in body composition between control subjects and GHD patients, who presented higher adiposity (mean BMI+/-SD: GHD, 27.8+/-5.8 kg/m(2); controls, 22.1+/-0.8 kg/m(2); p=0.047), larger fat mass (GHD, 21.8+/-10.7 kg; controls, 8.8+/-3.5 kg; p=0.008), and lower fat-free mass (GHD, 65.8+/-11.4 %; controls, 87.0+/-6.5 %; p=0.002). In absolute terms, GHD patients attained significantly lower values in ST (GHD, 2479+/-493 N; controls, 4578+/-1476 N; p=0.008), W (GHD, 1092+/-452 W; controls, 1910+/-781 W; p=0.035) and VO(2)max (GHD, 1.68+/-0.40 l/min; controls, 2.67+/-0.84 l/min; p=0.035) than those attained by controls. The differences were still evident when the results were normalized by unit body mass, whereas they disappeared when the parameters were expressed per unit fat-free mass, suggesting for these patients the presence of an intrinsic muscle function in the same range as that of control subjects.
CONCLUSIONS:
Middle-aged and short-stature adults with childhood-onset GHD, who received discontinuous pit-GH substitution therapy only during childhood and have uncorrected long-lasting GHD, still retain a normal intrinsic muscle capability in attaining isotonic strength, generating anaerobic power as well as accomplishing oxidative processes. Nonetheless, it is not known which age-dependent evolution in motor dysfunction could be expected in this subgroup of GHD patients, when ageing processes add up to hormonal deficiencies.
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Factor analysis of metabolic syndrome components in obese women.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis2008 Mar;18(3):233-41.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Adorni Fulvio, Agosti Fiorenza, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM:
Factor analysis is a multivariate correlation technique that is frequently employed to characterise the clustering of intercorrelated abnormalities, which underlie the metabolic syndrome in cohorts of individuals with different characteristics. To our knowledge, it has never been used to identify the components of this syndrome in obese subjects. The purpose of this study was to use factor analysis to investigate the clustering of features, which characterise the metabolic syndrome, in a cohort of 552 obese women aged 18-83 years (mean body mass index: 43.0 kg/m(2)+/-5.7 SD).
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Principal component analysis reduced ten correlated physiological variables, to four uncorrelated factors that explained 72.2% of the variance in the original parameters. These factors were interpreted as: (1) an insulin resistance factor, with positive loading of fasting serum insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance; (2) a metabolic glucose/lipid factor, with positive loading of fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, waist-to-hip ratio, and inverse loading of high density lipoprotein cholesterol; (3) a body mass factor, with positive loading of body mass and waist circumference; and (4) a blood pressure factor, with positive loading of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
CONCLUSION:
The identification of four independent factors is consistent with previous findings among samples of different populations and may also support, in obese women, the hypothesis that multiple physiological determinants are responsible for the abnormalities underlying the metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, findings in this cohort of obese women suggest that the absolute degree of adiposity is not correlated with any tested component of the metabolic syndrome, but that the relative fat distribution is highly correlated with the development of hyperglycaemic and dyslipidaemic phenomena. Furthermore, insulin resistance appears to be a major factor in obese individuals, independent of other metabolic and anthropometic abnormalities.
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Differences in quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue between lean and obese subjects.
Eur J Appl Physiol2007 Sep;101(1):51-9.
Maffiuletti Nicola A, Jubeau Marc, Munzinger Urs, Bizzini Mario, Agosti Fiorenza, De Col Alessandra, Lafortuna Claudio L, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare quadriceps femoris muscle strength and fatigue between obese (grade II and III) and nonobese adults. Ten obese (mean age: 25 years; mean BMI: 41 kg/m(2)) and ten lean (mean age: 27 years; mean BMI: 23 kg/m(2)) men were tested. Quadriceps muscle fatigue was quantified as the (percent) torque loss during a voluntary isokinetic (50 maximal contractions at 180 degrees /s) and an electrostimulated (40 Hz) isometric protocol (5 min, 10% of the maximal torque). Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic torque and power were also measured. Voluntary torque loss was significantly higher (P
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Effect of age, degree and distribution of adiposity on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a cohort of obese Italian women.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract2007 Nov;78(2):225-33.
Sartorio Alessandro, Agosti Fiorenza, Adorni Fulvio, Pera Franca, Lafortuna Claudio L
Abstract
The classification system based on five factors with cut-offs defined by the recent International Diabetes Federation consensus was used to estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a cohort of 570 obese Italian women (age: 18-83 years; body mass index (BMI): 30.2-66.7kg/m2). A binary logistic regression analysis model assessed the combined impact of age, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on such prevalence. The overall prevalence of the syndrome among these obese women was 58.6%. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence progressively increased with age (p
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Growth hormone responses to repeated bouts of aerobic exercise with different recovery intervals.
J Appl Physiol (1985)2006 Mar;100(3):1093-4; author reply 1094-5.
Sartorio Alessandro, Agosti Fiorenza, Marinone Pier Giulio, Proietti Marco, Lafortuna Claudio L, Maffiuletti Nicola A
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The energy cost of cycling in young obese women.
Eur J Appl Physiol2006 May;97(1):16-25.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Proietti Marco, Agosti Fiorenza, Sartorio Alessandro
Abstract
In order to evaluate the difference in the energy cost of submaximal cycling between normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) females, nine OB (age 23.2 years+/-1.6 SE, BMI 40.4+/-1.2 kg/m2) and nine NW (age 25.6 years+/-1.8, BMI 21.7+/-0.6 kg/m2) healthy young women were studied during a graded bicycle ergometer test at 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 W. At rest and at all workloads, oxygen uptake VO2 was higher in OB than in NW women (Student's t test, P
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Respiratory mechanics in Standardbred horses with sub-clinical inflammatory airway disease and poor athletic performance.
Vet J2007 Jan;173(1):144-50.
Pirrone Federica, Albertini Mariangela, Clement Maria G, Lafortuna Claudio L
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify respiratory mechanical dysfunctions in Standardbred horses with both poor performance and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology characteristic of inflammatory airway disease (IAD). A control group of healthy Standardbred horses was compared. Respiratory mechanics and breathing pattern were examined at rest and during hyperventilation induced using a rebreathing method. At rest, respiratory mechanics and breathing pattern were superimposable in both groups. In IAD horses, rebreathing increased ventilation, with larger tidal volumes and lower respiratory frequencies. During hyperventilation, IAD animals showed frequency-dependent dynamic lung compliance, and had greater viscous lung resistance and rate of dynamic work of breathing. As IAD alters pulmonary mechanics, the ventilatory load increases and horses requiring significantly higher energy for breathing may suffer restrictions in their athletic performance. This rebreathing method permits early evaluation of respiratory mechanical dysfunction in poorly performing horses with sub-clinical IAD.
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Body mass reduction markedly improves muscle performance and body composition in obese females aged 61-75 years: comparison between the effects exerted by energy-restricted diet plus moderate aerobic-strength training alone or associated with rGH or nandrolone undecanoate.
Eur J Endocrinol2004 Apr;150(4):511-5.
Sartorio Alessandro, Maffiuletti Nicola A, Agosti Fiorenza, Marinone Pier Giulio, Ottolini Saverio, Lafortuna Claudio L
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of a body mass reduction programme entailing diet caloric restriction and moderate physical activity with or without supplementary treatment with recombinant (r) GH or steroids to improve body composition and muscle performance in severely obese women aged 61-75 years.
METHODS:
Twenty women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: body mass reduction alone; body mass reduction plus rGH; body mass reduction plus nandrolone undecanoate. Body composition, isotonic muscle strength and anaerobic power output during jumping were determined before and after the 3-week period.
RESULTS:
Whatever the experimental group considered, body mass (P
CONCLUSION:
Small body mass reductions after 3 weeks of energy-restricted diet combined with moderate aerobic and strength exercise are associated with significant improvements in upper and lower limb muscle strength and power and reduction of fat mass in severely obese women aged 61-75 years. Although the association of rGH or nandrolone undecanoate does not appear to exert additional effects on body composition and muscle performance attained by body mass reduction alone, further additional studies with larger study groups, different dosages and more prolonged periods are required for definitive conclusions to be drawn.
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The regulation of respiratory resistance in exercising horses.
Eur J Appl Physiol2003 Oct;90(3-4):396-404.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Saibene Franco, Albertini Mariangela, Clement M Giovanna
Abstract
Horses display remarkable aerobic capabilities, attaining during muscular exercise a maximal rate of oxygen consumption about 30-fold higher than the resting value, and 2.5-fold higher than that of other mammals of similar body mass. Under these circumstances an enormous mechanical burden is expected to impinge on the equine respiratory pump and regulatory mechanisms aiming to minimize this load may play an important role in determining the adequacy of the respiratory system to the metabolic requirements. The behaviour of the respiratory system has been investigated in horses at rest and during treadmill locomotion at different velocities and gaits. During exercise hyperpnoea, horses exhibit a significant reduction in the lung viscous resistance not observed in other mammals, such as dogs and humans. Therefore, the exercise-dependent increase in the rate of mechanical work of breathing is lower in the horse than in other mammals. This increase in the equine airway patency during exercise appeared to be mainly determined by the pattern of laryngeal movements. In fact, during exercise, the laryngeal cross-sectional area, determined with a video-endoscopic imaging technique at the level of rima glottidis (CSArg), undergoes during inspiration an increase averaging up to over 4 times the resting expiratory values. Although a significant linear correlation was found between CSArg and minute ventilation (VE), the laryngeal activation contributes to increase lung conductance only when CSArg is narrower than the tracheal section. It appears therefore that in exercising horses pulmonary resistive features are finely controlled to reduce the mechanical load supported by the respiratory muscles and to counterbalance the increase in the ventilatory energetic requirements inherent in the remarkably enhanced aerobic performance observed in this species.
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Locomotor behaviours and respiratory pattern of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
Eur J Appl Physiol2003 Oct;90(3-4):387-95.
Lafortuna Claudio L, Jahoda Maddalena, Azzellino Arianna, Saibene Franco, Colombini Angelo
Abstract
Twenty-four Mediterranean fin whales were tracked in open sea with a method based on the assessment of the animal differential position in respect of the observer's absolute position aboard a vessel, with the concomitant recording of the respiratory activity. Short distance video recording was also performed in two whales, permitting the simultaneous determination of single breath expiratory (TE) and inspiratory (TI) durations. In the 24 whales swimming at an average velocity of 1.39 (0.47) m.s(-1) [mean (SD), range: 0.62-2.44 m.s(-1)], 2068 breaths organized in 477 respiratory cycles were observed. Each cycle entailed a prolonged apnoea dive phase [225 (91) s, Tdive) followed by a period near the surface [62 (28) s, surfacing], during which a series of breaths [4.6 (1.8)] was performed at short intervals. On the basis of track length and swimming velocity, two groups of animals were devised differing for convolution of the course (p
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