COVID-19's Impact on Athletes: Reduced Cardiorespiratory fitness after a SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Objective: This study aimed to identify potential changes in cardiorespiratory fitness among athletes who had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: In this prospective observational multicenter hybrid study (CoSmo-S), cardiopulmonary exercise testing on treadmills or bicycle ergometers involving 2314 athletes (39.6% female) was conducted.

Methodological approaches to measuring mental health in a cost-of-living crisis: A rapid review.

Background: Cost-of-living crises are damaging to population mental health and require a public health response. It is important to assess whether public health interventions are effective. We aimed to identify population-level methods and measures and the appropriateness of the measures for vulnerable populations.

Low energy contact X-ray brachytherapy for treatment of rectal cancer: a health technology appraisal by Health Technology Wales.

Aim: Health Technology Wales sought to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) for early-stage rectal cancer.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus. A cost-utility model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CXB in National Health Service Wales, using results of the Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma (OPERA) trial.

COVID-19 in Female and Male Athletes: Symptoms, Clinical Findings, Outcome, and Prolonged Exercise Intolerance-A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Cohort Study (CoSmo-S).

Background: An infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, which can impair athletic activity.

Objective: We aimed to assess the clinical symptom patterns, diagnostic findings, and the extent of impairment in sport practice in a large cohort of athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2, both initially after infection and at follow-up. Additionally, we investigated whether baseline factors that may contribute to reduced exercise tolerance at follow-up can be identified.

Exercise Performance of Lowlanders with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Acutely Exposed to 2048 m: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial.

Background: Amongst the millions of travelers to high altitude worldwide are many with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but data regarding the effects of acute exposure to altitude on exercise performance are limited. The current study investigated how acute exposure to moderate altitude influences exercise performance in COPD patients, providing novel insights to the underlying physiological mechanisms.

Methods: Twenty-nine COPD patients, GOLD grade 2-3, median (quartile) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) of 60% predicted (46; 69) performed cycling incremental ramp exercise test (IET) at 490 m and after acute exposure of 2-6 hours to 2048 m or vice versa, according to a randomized cross-over design.