Sudomotor function as a tool for cardiorespiratory fitness level evaluation: comparison with maximal exercise...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Metabolic health assessment
• Occupational health

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
• Cardio-respiratory fitness, assessed by VO2max, is crucial but underutilized clinically.
• Sudomotor dysfunction can be an early indicator of metabolic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare established cardiovascular risk evaluation methods with SUDOSCAN, a non-invasive sudomotor function test.
• To evaluate SUDOSCAN's utility in assessing cardio-metabolic risk in a working population.
• To determine the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on fitness and sudomotor function.

Main Methods:

• Participants completed questionnaires, underwent physical examinations, and had VO2max estimated via maximal bicycle ergometry.
• Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of hands and feet was measured using SUDOSCAN.
• A 12-month lifestyle intervention program was implemented for low-fitness subjects, with ongoing physical activity monitoring.

Main Results:

• SUDOSCAN risk score classification showed significant differences in BMI, waist circumference, and body fat.
• A notable inverse correlation was found between SUDOSCAN risk score and estimated VO2max (r = -0.57 for women, -0.48 for men).
• Lifestyle intervention led to significant improvements in VO2max, ESC, and SUDOSCAN risk score, particularly with higher weekly activity.

Conclusions:

• SUDOSCAN serves as a viable tool for assessing cardio-metabolic disease risk in occupational settings.
• The method can effectively monitor the impact of individual lifestyle interventions on health markers.
• Sudomotor function assessment via SUDOSCAN offers a practical approach to risk stratification and intervention follow-up.