Changes in substrate utilization rates during 40 min of walking within the Fatmax range

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in fat oxidation rate during 40 min of continuous exercise and identify the intensity at the highest fat oxidation rate (Fatmax).

METHODS

A total of 14 sedentary males with age, body height, weight, and BMI averages of 29.3 ± 0.7 years, 178.3 ± 1.7 cm, 81.1 ± 3.9 kg, and 25.4 ± 0.9 kg/m², respectively, were included in the study. Fatmax was determined using an indirect calorimeter with an incremental treadmill walking test at least after 12 h of fasting. On a separate day, at least after 12 h of fasting, the participants walked for 40 min within their predetermined individual Fatmax heart rate and speed ranges.

RESULTS

The initial fat oxidation rate was not sustained within the first 16 min of exercise and was reduced; however, carbohydrate oxidation reached a stable level after nearly 10 min.

CONCLUSIONS

In sedentary individuals, during low-intensity physical activity, fat oxidation rates may not be sustainable as expected from Fatmax testing. Therefore, when exercise is prescribed, one should consider that the fat oxidation rate might decrease in sedentary overweight individuals.

The Relationship Between Nomophobia and Anxiety Levels in Healthy Young Individuals

The current study was performed to determine whether there is a relationship between nomophobia (i.e., fear of being without a mobile phone or disconnected from mobile phone communication) levels and anxiety among healthy young individuals and whether nomophobia affects work or academic life. Three hundred sixty young individuals with no health problems were included in the study. The Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to measure participants' nomophobia levels. There was a statistically significant relationship between NMP-Q and BAI scores in the male group. As NMP-Q scores increased, BAI scores also increased. However, we could not find such a relationship in the female group. We have shown that individuals who do not have their mobile phones with them experience anxiety that affects their work and/or academic life. Efforts should be made to raise awareness of nomophobia, which concerns not only individuals but society as a whole. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(8), 23-30.].

Association of second and fourth digit (2D:4D) ratios with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to investigate the association of second and fourth-digit (2D:4D) ratios with metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular disease risk (CVR).

METHOD

This case-control study was conducted between February and March 2024 with 200 participants (100 patients +100 controls). Biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, haemogram, HbA1C) were recorded. All participants were evaluated in terms of MS diagnostic criteria. CVR was calculated with the ESC CVD Risk Calculator. Second-digit and fourth-digit measurements were performed and the 2D:4D ratio of both hands and the difference between 2D:4D of both hands (Dr-l) were obtained. The relationship between 2D:4D and MS, CVR, and gender was evaluated. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Forty-one percent of the study participants were male. The right-hand 2D:4D (R2D:4D) ratio was 1.009 ± 0.04 and the left-hand 2D:4D (L2D:4D) ratio was 0.991 ± 0.04 (p < .001). R2D:4D ratio was 1.010 ± 0.04 in women and 0.985 ± 0.03 in men (p = .019). R2D:4D (p < .001), Dr-l (p = .001), and CVR (p < .001) were significantly higher in men with MS (+) compared to MS (-).

CONCLUSION

In our study, the R2D:4D ratio was found to be associated with MS and CVR in men. Low intrauterine androgen exposure may affect the development of MS, but this effect is more prominent in males.

Pain, Physical Activity, Kinesiophobia, Balance and Fall Risk in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk of balance disorders and falls in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain and the associated kinesiophobia and physical limitation.

METHODS

This study was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study and was conducted with 250 patients seen in Family Medicine outpatient clinics between February and March 2023. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK) was used to measure the patients' fear of movement/reinjury, the International Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-I) was used to measure the level of fear of falling, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess balance status, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess all activities during the day. Patients were divided into three groups according to pain patterns: Neuropathic pain (N = 74), nociceptive/mechanical pain (N = 96), and control group (no pain) (N = 90). In statistical analyses, p < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62.56 ± 9.81 years in the neuropathic pain group, 62.47 ± 11.67 years in the nociceptive/mechanical pain group, and 60.87 ± 10.99 years in the control group. Overall, 60% of the participants were women. In intergroup analyses, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of TSK (p = .012), FES-I (p < .001), IPAQ (p < .001), and BBS (p < .001). The neuropathic pain group had the lowest BBS scores. When comparing the neuropathic pain group to the control group, TSK was significantly higher (p = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with neuropathic pain due to diabetes mellitus are more likely to have increased balance impairment, leading to decreased physical activity and an increased risk of falls.

Is nociplastic pain, a new pain category, associated with biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters and pain in patients with nociplastic pain.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 8632 patients, aged between 20 and 65, were evaluated according to the nociplastic pain diagnosis criteria determined by IASP. Excluding individuals who did not meet the criteria for nociplastic pain, the study included a total of 660 participants. The biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters of all individuals were examined. The pain levels of the patients were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The patients were categorized based on nociplastic pain types and pain regions for evaluation.

RESULTS

In this study, the female gender was more prevalent both in all nociplastic pain categories and in all pain region groups (p < 0.05). In the nociplastic pain categories, it was observed that vitamin D levels were lower in patients with chronic widespread pain, while ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were higher in patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. Among patients with chronic widespread pain with low hemoglobin and/or ferritin levels, the Visual Analog Scale activity score was higher. For patients with chronic widespread pain and low vitamin D levels and/or high erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels, the Visual Analog Scale rest score was higher. In patients with fibromyalgia and high parathyroid hormone levels, the Visual Analog Scale activity score was higher. For patients with fibromyalgia and high Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio levels, the Visual Analog Scale rest score was higher. In patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein levels, the Visual Analog Scale activity score was higher. While vitamin B12 levels were found to be lower in patients with widespread pain, no significant relationship was identified between electrolytes, other blood count results, and nociplastic pain.

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was observed that levels of vitamin D in individuals with nociplastic pain were low, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio were high, and hemoglobin and ferritin levels were elevated. Furthermore, these findings were found to be associated with both the presence of pain and the severity of pain assessed using the visual analog scale.