BURA Collection:

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 .

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.

Recommendations for conducting qualitative research on multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) from a qualitative methods community of practice

2026-09-09T10:24:18Z

Title: Recommendations for conducting qualitative research on multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) from a qualitative methods community of practice Authors: Bellass, Sue; Ellwood, Alison; Arakelyan, Stella; Bowers, Sarah Pauline; Dewhurst, Felicity; Hanley, Stephanie J; Hayanga, Brenda; Hopkins, Sarah A; Howe, Nicola; Hunt, Emily; Lewis, Grace; Lippiett, Kate; McCloskey, Erin; Pretorius, Sara; Salonen, Domna; Shoemark-Sells, Elizabeth Z; Thompson, Alexandra; Thompson, Freya; Vowles, Zoë; Walker, Heather; Wheat, Hannah Abstract: The growing prevalence of multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) – two or more long-term health conditions – has been recognised as one of the most significant health challenges facing contemporary societies. People living with MLTC experience poorer outcomes than people with one long-term condition and may be disadvantaged by health care systems configured for single conditions. Recognition of the significance of these inequities has led to increased investments in MLTC research, and a body of qualitative literature on lived experience is developing. However, conducting qualitative MLTC research presents challenges to researchers. Encompassing an extensive range of condition combinations, the MLTC population is incredibly diverse, and constructing a sampling strategy for the small numbers of participants typical in qualitative inquiry requires careful thought. Additionally, MLTC is a construct not embedded in public consciousness, which may affect participant self-identification and research engagement. Furthermore, the risk of issues commonly experienced in qualitative health research, such as participant distress and low recruitment rates, can be exacerbated due to the ill-health experienced by some people living with MLTC. In this article, we share reflections from a cross-institution Qualitative Methods Community of Practice in MLTC Research, describing the challenges experienced and practical steps taken to address difficulties and mitigate risks. We aim to provide tips and guidance to qualitative health researchers new to MLTC inquiry to support planning and delivery of their research in this rapidly growing field. Description: Data availability statement: This is a methods paper rather than a findings paper. We are not reporting empirical data.

Action simulation as an intervention to improve balance, mobility and gait in healthy older adults: A scoping review

2026-08-08T09:47:09Z

Title: Action simulation as an intervention to improve balance, mobility and gait in healthy older adults: A scoping review Authors: Grilc, Neza; Cocks, Adam; Kal, Elmar; Ellmers, Toby J; Valappil, Ashika Chembila; Bruton, Adam Abstract: Falls in older adults are a significant public health concern. Action simulation interventions involving action observation and/or motor imagery have been proposed as alternative or adjunct strategies to physical exercise for reducing fall risk. These approaches may minimize barriers to physical practice and may specifically target deficits in motor planning that are linked to falls. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine how action simulation interventions have been applied and evaluated in healthy older adults. A systematic search of six databases and repositories was conducted. Studies were included if they used action simulation interventions in healthy, community-dwelling adults aged 60+ years and examined movement outcomes related to balance, gait or functional mobility. Nineteen studies with 587 older adults were included. Motor imagery was the most common action simulation intervention (n = 11 [58%]), and most studies were randomized controlled trials (n = 14 [74%]). Only one study examined long-term effects on balance and gait performance (i.e., 1-month post-intervention). Studies varied widely in the outcomes examined, including static and dynamic balance, gait, mobility, and psychological outcomes, and reported findings were heterogeneous across studies and outcome domains. Limited reporting of intervention implementability was identified across the included studies. Overall, this review highlights the heterogeneity of how action simulation interventions have been applied and evaluated to improve balance, mobility and gait outcomes in older adults. However, if action simulation techniques are to be adopted as a fall prevention strategy, more studies examining acceptability are needed. Description: Data availability: Research Link Provided: Extracted Data (Original data: https://osf.io/64v9w/overview?view_only=4834c9d0f8944e1bb172553114914b6c) (Open Science framework)