Lactate Threshold (D-Max Method) and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cyclists: The Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS) is defined as the highest workload that can be maintained over time where there is a balance between lactate production and lactate clearance. Therefore, determination of this workload is very importance for diagnosis of aerobic capacity and training program design. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of lactate threshold values determined by the D-max method as related to MLSS in cyclists. The research material included 10 female (body height 167±5.7 cm; body mass 56±4.8 kg; percent body fat 12.3±2.1) and 10 male well-trained cyclists (body height 183.5±4.4 cm; body mass 73.2±4.1 kg; percent body fat 7.9±2.6). The research had two distinct phases, separated by one day of active recovery. During the first phase, progressive tests were carried out to determine lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake in each subject. During the second phase, each athlete performed a series of 30-min ergocycle tests, with a fixed workload to establish maximal lactate steady state. Results showed no significant differences between lactate threshold workload (WRLT), determined by the D-max method, and maximal lactate steady state workload (WRMLSS) in female and male cyclists, expressed in absolute and relative values. Differences between male and female cyclists in absolute and relative values of WRLT, WRMLSS, and WRmax were significant (p<0.05), but in relative values there was a tendency for decreased differences between groups. The oxygen uptake at the lactate threshold and MLSS were significantly (p<0.05) different. Also, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in values of heart rate and lactate concentration at the lactate threshold and MLSS. The analysis of changes in lactate concentration, heart rate and oxygen uptake between the 10th and 30th minutes of MLSS, indicates that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in these values in male and female cyclists. The strong correlation (r=0.97; p<0.05) between WRLT and WRMLSS was found. Also, a significant correlation between (r=0.96; p<0.05) WRMLSS and peak workload during the incremental test (WRmax) (r=0.96; p<0.05) was also observed.

Reaction time (RT) is one of the key factors in combat sports. Its high level is a predictor of sporting success. Therefore, RT tests are an important diagnostic tool in combat sports. The implementation of some conventional psychomotor tests in virtual settings can facilitate research and improve the objectivity and standardization of the measurement procedure. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of RT measurements, using the ruler drop method (RDM) implemented within immersive virtual reality (VR). Twenty-eight professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters were examined. The validity of the new VR measurement method was estimated by comparing the results obtained using the computer test and the conventional catch-the-ruler test. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using an intraclass correlation procedure. Analysis of variance was used to examine the differences in RT in MMA fighters obtained from different tests. Significant correlations were found between the results of measurements in VR and the results of other tests, with the highest values observed between the tests performed in a virtual environment and computer-based tests. The values of the ICC intraclass correlation coefficients for all the reaction time tests conducted in the group of MMA fighters were at an adequate or high level. The analysis of variance showed that the reaction time of MMA fighters differed significantly between the tests. In VR and computer-based tests, reaction times were significantly longer than during conventional RDM measurements. RT did not depend on the hand used during the test. In conclusion, the VR environment allows for designing and conducting valid reaction time tests reliably and objectively, using standard testing procedures, while reducing the effect of human factors on the measurement results.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meeting recommendations on physical activity for health in leisure‐time and the ability to work among Polish white‐collar workers. Methods: The study used a cross‐sectional design with a convenience sample of 360 white‐collar workers. Participants recorded 7‐day physical activity logs, including form, duration and intensity of leisure‐time physical activities. The results were compared to health recommendations. A standardized Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used in assessing the ability to work. Results: Participants who met health recommendations achieved higher scores of the WAI (mean score = 41.93) in comparison to those who were not sufficiently physically active (mean score = 39.35) (p < .001). The results of binary logistic regression show that meeting health‐related physical activity recommendations almost double the odds of reaching at least good work ability (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.12–3.36). Conclusions: Meeting leisure‐time physical activity recommendations (especially the criterion of vigorous physical activity) is significantly related to higher self‐assessed ability to work among white‐collar workers.

Introduction and objective: Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining the health and functional fitness of elderly people. The aim of the study was to determine the number of senior women meeting the physical activity guidelines, and their level of functional fitness in comparison...