Validity and Reliability of a New Wearable Chest Strap to Estimate Respiratory Frequency in Elite Soccer Athletes.

Assessing respiratory frequency () is practical in monitoring training progress in competitive athletes, especially during exercise. This study aimed to validate a new wearable chest strap (wCS) to estimate against ergospirometry as a criterion device in soccer players. A total of 26 elite professional soccer players (mean [standard deviation]: 23.

Changes in Ventilatory Response to Exercise in Trained Athletes: Respiratory Physiological Benefits Beyond Cardiovascular Performance.

Introduction: The beneficial impact of an 8-month competitive season on the ventilatory profile response to exercise in soccer players has never been evaluated.

Material And Methods: Ventilatory profile (evaluated by determining individual tidal volume [V] relative to minute ventilation [V] inflection points during exercise) and metabolic responses to incremental exercise were evaluated in 2 professional soccer teams before and after an 8-month competitive season.

Results: No differences between teams in anthropometric characteristics or in resting cardiopulmonary variables, included oxygen uptake (VO) and heart rate (HR), before and during the competitive season were found.

Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ventilatory parameters in maximal exercise performance in elite soccer players.

Methods: From September 2009 to December 2012, 90 elite soccer players underwent evaluation of lung function test and ergospirometry by means of an incremental symptom-limited treadmill test. Results were analyzed according to i) maximal exercise velocity performed (Hi-M: high-performers, >18.

The electronic cigarette: potential health benefit or mere business?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have attracted considerable attention as a possible alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but uncertainties about their impact on health and indoor air quality as well as their commercial success without a clear regulatory framework are arousing concern. We have therefore tried to summarize the health-related implications of the use of e-cigarettes in order to help physicians and health professionals provide accurate information on this device. Given the lack of unequivocal scientific data on their toxicity and safety, we conclude that at the moment there is no reason to approve e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to tobacco smoke.