Effects of Mode of Contraction on Neuromuscular Fatigue
VolunteersAging is associated with multiple deteriorations of the neuromuscular system. Given the increase in life expectancy, the investigators can now distinguish old adults (>60 years old) who conserve their neuromuscular capacities with regular physical activity and very old adults (>80 years old) who suffer from an inexorable decline, even if the number of octogenarians and their quality of life are progressively increasing. However, the most part of the literature on fatigue and neuromuscular capacity with aging focused on isometric tasks. The results showed a significant decrease in maximal force production capacity and a greater resistance to fatigue for old people compared to the young population. When fatigue is induced trough dynamic contractions, greater fatigability was observed in old adults compared to young adults. Investigations performed on the population aged over 80 years old are rare, showing greater fatigability in octogenarians than old men (aged 60-80 years old) during isometric tasks. The knowledge about the effects of dynamic contractions in this population are limited, and performed uniquely in single leg isokinetic mode. Evaluations that require the use of both legs and higher muscle mass involved in the task (cycloergometer) are needed. Understanding neuromuscular fatigue and fatigability across different exercise modalities is necessary to set adapted physical activity programs aimed to maintain autonomy in older individuals.
Behavioral and Neural Representations of Subjective Effort Cost
FatigueThe goal of this proposal is to understand the common and distinct behavioral and neural representations of subjective effort valuation, and how these representations are influenced by fatigue and changes in motivation. It is hypothesized that the brain will use overlapping and distinct neural circuits to represent cognitive and physical effort value, and that fatigue and enhanced motivation will influence the subjective value of effort.
Pedometer-Based Walking Intervention on Physical Activity Among Hemodialysis Patients
Physical InactivityFatiguePatients undergoing HD are mostly physically inactive and have reduced functional capacities compared to healthy individuals which contributes to a decreased quality of life and consequently increases the risk of mortality
Apollo Device for Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
FatigueMetastatic Breast CarcinomaThis is a single-arm, open label pilot intervention study with outcomes measured by electronic survey and chart review evaluating a wearable device called Apollo, which is similar to a FitBit but emits vibrations. Our primary objective is to assess whether or not Apollo can help with symptoms of fatigue and pain in patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).
Self-administered Acupressure to Improve Cancer-related Fatigue Among Cancer Patients Undergoing...
CancerBreast3 moreThe primary aim of the study is to determine whether self-administered acupressure has effects equivalent to aerobic exercise on CRF in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Secondary outcomes include sleep disturbance (self-reported and objective), activity levels (self-reported and objective), quality of life (QoL), cognitive impairment, return to work, chemotherapy completion, and adherence to the intervention. This will be a prospective, assessor-blind, parallel group randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will strictly follow the CONSORT guidelines. A total of 138 patients aged 18 or above with a diagnosis of breast cancer scheduled to commence their first cycle of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy will be recruited and randomized into self-administered acupressure and aerobic exercise groups. The hypothesis of this study is self-administered acupressure and aerobic exercise demonstrate equivalent effects on CRF. The acupressure arm comprises of a one-on-one, 90-min instructional session and a 1-hour follow-up visit by a trained Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, and self-practice for 12 weeks. The exercise arm consists of a one-on-one, 90-min instructional session and a 1-hour follow-up visit by a trained exercise specialist, and self-practice for 12 weeks. Participants will be instructed to maintain self-practice after the intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed.
Effect on Fatigue of Light (Lux) Therapy in Patients With Cancer
CancerFatigue is a symptom most commonly associated with the diagnosis of cancer. Fatigue often appears before the diagnosis of cancer, is increasing during treatment with chemotherapy and persists for years after treatment in more than 35% of patients. Fatigue is the earliest and most important symptom described by cancer patients. Its prevalence in cancer chemotherapy patients is between 70 and 100%. Fatigue is more common to cancer patients and to the general population or other types of patients. Typically described as a lack of energy associated with mental disorders, fatigue related to cancer can be extremely debilitating. The causes are many, mainly including the cancer itself, side effects due to treatment, sleeplessness due to pain, anxiety or depression. The cancer-related fatigue has a negative and significant direct impact on all aspects of the patient's quality of life, especially the physical, social and behavioral. Despite the availability of certain treatments and the advanced biomedical research, fatigue remains an inevitable consequence of cancer and its treatment. The therapeutic use of natural light in medicine dates back to the late nineteenth century. Its remarkable effect on the stimulation of the immune system and fight against infections caused the development of the first therapy techniques (also called luxthérapie) awarded in 1903 by the Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology. Light plays a fundamental role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and homeostatic. The mechanism of action passes through a path "non-visual" involving melanopsin ganglion cells located in the retina. Activation of the pineal gland (epiphysis) by melanopsin cells allows transduce information "shadow and light" in melatonin synthesis from serotonin. Today, the effectiveness of the therapy is well established for treating fatigue-related disorders such as chronic fatigue, seasonal depression or seasonal or non-certain sleep disorders and in which the melatonin metabolism is disturbed. Light therapy, by its mechanism of action, allows reprogramming "of the biological clock and improved synchronization of circadian rhythms.
Gut Microbe Composition, Exercise, and Breast Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast CancerGut Microbiome2 moreThe primary goal of this project is to determine the effects of exercise on the gut microbiome in breast cancer survivors and determine how these changes may relate to psychosocial symptoms such as fatigue.
Understanding the Post-Surgical Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient's Symptom Experience
FatigueSelf Efficacy4 moreAmong 13 core symptoms across 3,106 breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer patients, persons with lung cancer were the most symptomatic, with moderate to severe fatigue being reported with the greatest prevalence. This is a proposed randomized controlled trial of a novel rehabilitative intervention for persons with non-small cell lung cancer after surgery that promotes self-management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and is practical, portable, low cost, and safe. The results of the study will provide a novel exercise intervention, and its optimal timing, that helps a vulnerable population by reducing CRF severity and fatigability and is applicable to nearly all post-thoracotomy lung cancer patients.
Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeMyalgic EncephalomyelitisChronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is an unexplained multisymptom/multisystem disorder for which there are currently no validated treatments. The present exploratory clinical trial aims to advance our understand of the mechanisms of in situ GSH synthesis control through assessment of the response of brain GSH and plasma markers of oxidative stress to different doses of NAC in comparison to placebo, as a potential treatment for ME/CFS that would provide neuroprotection against oxidative stress by restoring cortical GSH reserves. If successful, this exploratory clinical trial would address a significant public health concern by shedding new light onto the mechanisms of action of NAC in brain GSH restoration, which could open a new avenue for the development of potentially effective treatments for a disorder, ME/CFS, that currently has none.
A Potential Role for Oxygen in the Development of Mental Fatigue and the Subsequent Decline in Cognitive...
Mental FatigueNear Infrared Spectroscopy4 moreIntroduction Both Mental Fatigue (MF) and hypoxia impair multiple aspects of cognitive functioning. The decline in cognitive functioning in hypoxic conditions is associated with alterations in brain oxygenation and hemodynamic responses. These hemodynamic responses are preferably measured at the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that is known for its executive function and role in decision making, planning, attention and (short-term) memory. This study will investigate the role of prefrontal cortex oxygenation during the development of mental fatigue and during cognitive performances by altering the ambient oxygen availability through normobaric hypoxia (3800m; 12,9% O2) and normoxia. Methods Subjects will perform four trials in a sound-insulated climate chamber (20°C and 40% RH). Upon entry in the climatic chamber participants will adapt to the environment for 30 minutes. Next, they will perform a modified cognitive test battery "cognition", a fine motor task "Motor Performance Series" and a visuomotor-fitlight task before and after a 60-minute individualized Stroop task or control task (randomized. blinded, placebo controlled, counter-balanced, cross-over design). Nearinfrared spectroscopy (NIRS) will be used to assess hemodynamic changes (oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated-hemoglobin (HHb) and total hemoglobin (tHb)) at the PFC. Hypotheses 1) MF will lead to earlier changes in the prefrontal NIRS-parameters (O2Hb, HHb, tHb) with lower oxygen availability. 2) The effects of MF on cognitive performance manifest itself to a greater extent with lower oxygen availability.3) Visuomotor performance declines to a greater extent due to MF with lower oxygen availability.