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Ventilatory drive modulates the temporal evolution of multidimensional dyspnoea during constant-load exercise in healthy adults

2026-10-08T07:34:39Z

Title: Ventilatory drive modulates the temporal evolution of multidimensional dyspnoea during constant-load exercise in healthy adults Authors: Mann, Leah M; Dominelli, Paolo B; Romer, Lee M Abstract: How increased ventilatory drive shapes the temporal evolution and multidimensional experience of exertional dyspnoea remains incompletely understood. This study examined whether experimentally increasing ventilatory drive via dead-space loading (DSL) alters dyspnoea during constant-load exercise. Nine healthy adults (7 male; 𝑉̇O₂𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 100 ± 16% predicted) performed constant-load cycle ergometry to task failure at 50%Δ between the gas-exchange threshold and 𝑉̇O₂𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 under control (CTRL) and DSL (15% vital capacity) conditions in a randomised crossover design. Dyspnoea intensity, dyspnoea unpleasantness, and leg discomfort were assessed using the Borg CR10 scale, and sensory-perceptual and affective-emotional dimensions using the Multidimensional Dyspnoea Profile. Compared with CTRL, DSL increased end-tidal CO₂, minute ventilation, tidal volume, and inspiratory pressures without altering cardiometabolic responses, and reduced time to task failure (10.0 ± 2.3 vs. 13.8 ± 4.6 min; 𝑝 = .012). Dyspnoea intensity rose more rapidly during DSL, but was similar at task failure, whereas dyspnoea unpleasantness was consistently higher without a distinct temporal divergence. Leg discomfort and dyspnoea descriptor frequencies did not differ between conditions. Post-exercise multidimensional profiling revealed greater breathing unpleasantness (𝑝 = .008), immediate perception scores (𝑝 = .036), respiratory work/effort (𝑝 = .040), and air hunger (𝑝 = .027), with no differences in emotional response scores. Greater iso-time increases in dyspnoea intensity and unpleasantness were associated with shorter time to task failure (𝑟 = − .82 to − 0.88; 𝑝 ≤ .007). These findings suggest that increased ventilatory drive accelerates dyspnoea development and preferentially augments sensory-perceptual characteristics of dyspnoea, contributing to earlier task failure despite similar end-exercise symptom intensity. Description: Data availability: The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.; Supplementary Information is available online at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-026-06434-z#Sec31 .

Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to co-design an intervention targeting sedentary behaviour in individuals with spinal cord injury

2026-10-08T02:00:56Z

Title: Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to co-design an intervention targeting sedentary behaviour in individuals with spinal cord injury Authors: Cooper, Daniel L; Warland, Alyson; Norris, Emma; Kilbride, Cherry; Paddison, Sue; Bailey, Daniel P Abstract: ... Description: ...

Passive thigh heating increases peak torque but does not attenuate declines in force production during repeated isokinetic knee extensor exercise in older adults

2026-10-01T09:05:23Z

Title: Passive thigh heating increases peak torque but does not attenuate declines in force production during repeated isokinetic knee extensor exercise in older adults Authors: Denny, Desmond; Low, Daniel C; Gibson, Oliver R Abstract: Aging is associated with declines in muscle function, leading to increased functional fatigability. Passive heating has demonstrated positive effects on muscle function during brief exercise in older adults, but the impact of heating on repeated contractions remains unknown. This study examined the effects of passive thigh heating on torque production during repeated and prolonged maximal dynamic isokinetic exercise. Fifteen healthy older adults (68 ± 8 years) completed a protocol involving 90 min of unilateral thigh heating (50°C) via a custom garment (HEAT), while the contralateral limb served as an unheated control (CONT). Participants performed 30 maximal isokinetic knee extensions at 180°/s before and after heating to assess peak torque during a single contraction, and average torque and total work done. Peak torque increased by 6 ± 7 N.m in HEAT (from 74 ± 33 N.m to 81 ± 33 N.m, +9%, p < 0.05), whereas CONT saw a no significant change (73 ± 31 N.m to 76 ± 28 N.m). Average torque declined significantly (p < 0.05), with decreases from the first third (68 ± 30 N.m) to the middle (57 ± 26 N.m) and final third of the fatigue task (51 ± 22 N.m). There was no difference in averaged torque thirds between HEAT and CONT highlighting that fatigue resistance was unaltered by the intervention. Total work done showed a non-significant 7% increase in HEAT (from 1619 ± 1100 J to 1751 ± 976 J, p = 0.273), a non-significant decrease of −4% was noted in CONT (from 1589 ± 790 J to 1528 ± 784 J p = 0.284). Passive heating enhanced peak torque production, but not fatigue resistance or work done during repetitive dynamic contractions in older adults indicating that the acute benefits of passive heating, may not extend to sustained or repetitive tasks.

Sedentary behaviour change: barriers and strategies reported by individuals with type 2 diabetes during a multi-component intervention

2026-09-28T09:13:29Z

Title: Sedentary behaviour change: barriers and strategies reported by individuals with type 2 diabetes during a multi-component intervention Authors: Biddle, Stuart JH; Brierley, Marsha L; Chater, Angel M; Edwardson, Charlotte L; Castle, Ellen; Hunt, Emily R; Bailey, Daniel P Abstract: Introduction: Engaging in high volumes of sedentary behaviour increases the risk of adverse health outcomes, especially for individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Understanding likely influences on behaviour and effective strategies for reducing sedentary time, as explored in this study, can inform future intervention development and implementation. Methods: A randomised controlled feasibility trial was undertaken to evaluate a remotely delivered sedentary behaviour intervention in adults with T2DM. As part of the process evaluation, intervention participants (n = 35) were asked to report the barriers they experienced, and strategies adopted, in their efforts to reduce sitting time. Results: Using template analysis, 44 statements of barriers (from n = 18) and 99 statements of attempted behaviour change strategies (from n = 17) from two time periods were analysed. Themes were similar across 3- and 6-month data for barriers [fatigue/sleep (e.g., feeling drowsy), disability/health, work-related (e.g., work tasks and facilities), and context (social or environmental contextual barriers)]. The themes for strategies reflected behaviours associated with ways to break up sitting, increasing incidental physical activity, and adding in purposeful physical activity. Conclusions: Barriers reflected various individual and contextual factors, while change strategies centred on breaking up sitting through substitution of other behaviours and the use of different types of physical activity. Such information may prove useful in future interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Description: Data availability: All data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper and its Supplementary Information.; This Article in Press is shared early to give you faster access to new research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI. The final edited version will replace it when available.