Back to Authors

Thomas, Randal J.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1448-7182

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 51

Abstract P268: Weight Change is a Poor Predictor of Change in Body Fatness in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients
Squires, Ray W. , Johnson, Lezlie L., Lopez‐Jimenez, Francisco, Pack, Quinn R. , Thomas, Randal J. , Somers, Virend K. , López-Jiménez, Francisco

Circulation | July 3, 2021 | Volume: 125 | Issue: suppl_10 | Pages: No page available

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap268 Get It

Introduction : Obesity is a common risk factor in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), yet many CR patients do not realize significant weight loss, despite engaging in regular exercise training while in CR. Hypothesis : We hypothesized that standard CR would demonstrate favorable body composition (BC) changes even in the absence of weight loss and sought to measure the performance characteristics of weight loss to predict BC changes. Methods : We included consecutive patients enrolled in early outpatient CR who underwent air displacement plethysmography with measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference at initiation and completion of CR. We calculated the accuracy of weight loss to identify significant improvements in BC. Results : Data from 112 patients were available for analysis; mean age 60±12 yr., 76% male, mean body mass index (BMI) 30.2±5.3 kg/m 2 . The indication for CR was myocardial infarction (n=33), percutaneous coronary intervention (n=29), coronary artery bypass or valve surgery (n=45), and heart transplant (n=5). Repeat testing occurred after a median of 81 days and 21 phase II CR sessions. There was no change in BMI (-0.53±1.3 kg/m 2 , p=0.43) and weight (-1.6±4.0 kg, p=0.51). Fat mass showed a borderline significant decrease of 2.9±3.9 kg (p=0.08). However, BC improved significantly as measured by body fat % (-2.5±3.2%, p=0.03) and waist circumference (-4.6±5.2 cm; p=0.01). There was a correlation between weight loss and fat mass loss (r=0.85, p=0.0001, positive predictive value=0.94), and % fat change (r=0.67, p=0.0001, positive predictive value=0.91). See table 1. However, the negative predictive value to detect no fat change for patients who did not lose weight was low (0.49, when assessed by % body fat loss, and 0.57, when assessed by fat mass loss). Among patients who did not lose weight, 29 (51%) had a greater than 1% body fat loss. Conclusions : The diagnostic performance of weight change to predict favorable BC changes is poor and highlights the potential utility of BC measurements in the CR setting. Table. Diagnostic Characteristics of Weight Loss as a Predictor of Improvements in Body Composition Weight Loss (kg) Body Fat % Loss ≤ 1% Fat Mass Loss (kg) > 1kg > 1% ≤ 1kg > 1kg 49 5 51 3 ≤ 1kg or gain 29 28 25 33 Sensitivity 0.63 0.67 Specificity 0.85 0.92 PPV * 0.91 0.94 NPV ** 0.49 0.57 * PPV = Positive Predictive Valve, ** NPV = Negative Predictive Value
Attempts at Changing Diet and Exercise to Lower Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: Who’s Doing What in the Community?
Brekke, M, Brandel, Catherine L., DeBoer, Stephen W., Thomas, Randal J. , Kottke, Thomas E.

Circulation | July 3, 2021 | Volume: 103 | Issue: suppl_1 | Pages: 1368-1368

10.1161/circ.103.suppl_1.9998-90 Get It

P90 Background and Methods:While only a minority of the population follows a low fat diet and does daily physical activity, it is unclear how much of the population is trying to improve these lifestyle habits. We carried out a telephone survey of 1232 adults, >20 years of age, from Olmsted County, MN to assess their attempts at improving their dietary and exercise habits to lower their risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Results: Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported making attempts to improve exercise habits, 71% reported attempts to improve their eating habits, and 50% reported trying to improve both habits. In all, 80% reported trying to improve exercise and/or dietary habits. Of those trying to change exercise habits, 69% reported at least some physical activity on a daily basis (Pearson correlation = 0.34). Of those attempting to change dietary habits, 31% reported eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day (Pearson correlation = 0.14). After multivariate adjustment, attempts to change diet or exercise were highest in persons trying to lose or maintain weight, and persons who reported having received previous physician advice to change diet and exercise habits. Conclusions: The majority of people in Olmsted County, MN are attempting to change their exercise and dietary habits to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Still, only a minority are meeting recommended dietary and physical activity goals. Since most people are in the action phase of exercise and dietary behavioral change, health promotion messages should include information on how best to improve and maintain these health habits. Furthermore, since report of receiving physician advice is correlated with attempts to change lifestyle habits and since only 44% of the population reports receiving such advice, there is an opportunity for health care providers to impact their patients lives by advising them on how to make improvements in their dietary and exercise habits.
The association between prior physical fitness and depression in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic—a cross-sectional, retrospective study
Dun, Yaoshan , Ripley-Gonzalez, Jeffrey W. , Zhou, Nanjiang , Chen, Meijuan , Hu, Zihang , Zhang, Wenliang , Olson, Thomas P. , Dong, Yuchen , Liu, Suixin , Liu, Suixin , Liu, Suixin , Dun, Yaoshan , Li, Qiuxia , Thomas, Randal J. , Liu, Jie

PeerJ | March 11, 2021 | Volume: 9 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: e11091

10.7717/peerj.11091 Get It

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a spike in deleterious mental health. This dual-center retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of depression in young adults during this pandemic and explored its association with various physical fitness measures. Methods This study enrolled 12,889 (80% female) young adults (mean age 20 ± 1) who performed a National Student Physical Fitness battery from December 1st, 2019, to January 20th, 2020, and completed a questionnaire including Beck’s Depression Inventory in May 2020. Independent associations between prior physical fitness and depression during the pandemic were assessed using multivariable linear and binary logistic regressions accordingly, covariates including age, dwelling location, economic level, smoking, alcohol, living status, weight change, and exercise volume during the pandemic. Sex- and baseline stress-stratified analyses were performed. Results Of the study population 13.9% of men and 15.0% of women sampled qualified for a diagnosis of depression. After multivariable adjustment, anaerobic (mean change 95% CI −3.3 [−4.8 to 1.8]) aerobic (−1.5 [−2.64 to −0.5]), explosive (−1.64 [−2.7 to −0.6]) and muscular (−1.7 [−3.0 to −0.5]) fitness were independently and inversely associated with depression for the overall population. These remained consistent after sex- and baseline stress-stratification. In binary logistic regression, the combined participants with moderate, high or excellent fitness also showed a much lower risk compared to those least fit in anaerobic (odd ratio (OR) 95% CI 0.68 [0.55–0.82]), aerobic (0.80 [0.68–0.91]), explosive (0.72 [0.61–0.82]), and muscular (0.66 [0.57–0.75]) fitness. Conclusions These findings suggest that prior physical fitness may be inversely associated with depression in young adults during a pandemic.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral and Participation Rates for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Ding, Rongjing , Medina‐Inojosa, José R. , Zhang, Sisi , Supervía, Marta , Squires, Ray W. , Olson, Thomas P. , Leth, Shawn , Lin, Grace , Smith, Joshua R. , Leth, Shawn E, Smith, Joshua R , Medina-Inojosa, José R , Smith, Joshua R., Fischer, Karen M. , Zhang, Wenliang , Thomas, Randal J.

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention | March 2, 2021 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 126-127

10.1097/hcr.0000000000000589 Get It

Lifestyle Changes and Weight-gain in Youth during a 4-Month COVID-19 Lockdown: A Retrospective Observational Study
Liu, Suixin, Jeffrey, Ripley-Gonzalez, Zhou, Nanjiang , You, Baiyang, Li, Qiuxia , Li, Hui , Zhang, Wenliang , Olson, Thomas P. , Dong, Yuchen , Dun, Yaoshan , Thomas, Randal J. , Liu, Jie

No container title available | January 19, 2021 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.21203/rs.3.rs-69025/v2 Get It

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in nationwide lockdowns, cessation of school and work, and social distancing. Reducing the negative impacts, such as weight-gain, has garnered global attention.Methods: In this dual-center retrospective observational study of 12,889 students (aged 18-20), who performed a national student physical fitness battery between December 1, 2019, to January 20, 2020, and completed a follow-up online questionnaire beginning on May 1, 2020, and ending on May 23, 2020, and examined the associations between weight-gain and COVID-19 induced stress, depression and self-reported physical activity, dietary habits and sedentary time. Results: Participants gained an average of 2.6 kg (95% CI: 2.0 to 3.2 kg) for males and 2.1 kg (1.9 to 2.4 kg) for females. An increase in overweight and obese individuals according to Asian cut-off points as a demographic percentage by 4.5% and 2.7% and 4.8% and 3.4% in males and females respectively (P<0.001). Weight change was associated with sedentary time, COVID-19 induced stress, and depression score. Conclusion: These findings suggest that limiting sedentary time during lockdowns and strategies aimed t improve lifestyle habits and psychological health may be warranted to mitigate weight-gain during the pandemic.Registration: Registered with ChiCTR, registration no.: ChiCTR2000033514
Body mass index (BMI) and physical activity in long-term lymphoma survivors: A pilot study
Thompson, Carrie A. , LaPlant, Betsy, Clark, Matthew M. , Sloan, Jeff A. , Rummans, Teresa A. , Cerhan, James R. , Maurer, Matthew J. , Thomas, Randal J. , Habermann, Thomas M.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 9, 2020 | Volume: 24 | Issue: 18_suppl | Pages: 17511-17511

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.17511 Get It

17511 Background: There is no published data regarding BMI changes in survivors of adult lymphoma. Methods: In October of 2004, we mailed a 23-page survey to 95 randomly selected patients from a population of 2,485 of patients from the Mayo Tumor Registry who had survived lymphoma from 5 to 20 years. 56 completed the survey for a 68% participation rate. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using clinical height and weight in the medical record at the time of diagnosis and self-reported weight in the survey response. Physical activity was self-reported. Based on their pattern of response, patients were categorized into a stage of change of current exercise (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance). Mood disturbance (depression, anxiety, and distress) and quality of life (QOL) were self-reported using the CES-D, POMS, STAI, FACT-G, and LASA questionnaires. Scores were transformed to a scale of 0–100 (higher score meaning higher functioning) to allow comparisons with a difference of 10 points considered significant. Results: The median age at completion of the questionnaire was 62 years (range: 25–85). The median time since diagnosis was 11 years (range: 6–20). Regular fitness, defined as a stage of change for exercise of action or maintenance, was reported by 48% of the respondents. The median BMI at diagnosis was 25.6 and the median at time of questionnaire was 27.0, which is a statistically significant change. Change in BMI, BMI at diagnosis, and BMI at time of questionnaire had no correlation with level of physical activity. Obese patients had a mean score of 72 points on the LASA, which was significantly lower than normal and underweight patients (mean 86) and overweight patients (mean 84). Conclusions: A small, but significant increase in body mass index was noted in long-term lymphoma survivors from the time of diagnosis to long-term follow-up. Patients who were obese at time of diagnosis may have lower quality of life down-the-road, as measured by the LASA years following treatment. This data represents the first information about body mass index in survivors of adult lymphoma. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data and to evaluate other aspects of health behavior in long-term survivors of lymphoma. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Strengthening the Evidence for Cardiac Rehabilitation Benefits
Thomas, Randal J. , Brewer, LaPrincess C.

JAMA Cardiology | October 23, 2019 | Volume: 4 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 1259

10.1001/jamacardio.2019.4077 Get It

Association Between Adiposity and Lean Mass With Long‐Term Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: No Paradox
Medina‐Inojosa, José R. , Jean, Nathalie, Jenkins, Sarah M. , Gomez‐Ibarra, Miguel Angel, Supervía, Marta , Gomez-Ibarra, Miguel Angel, Medina-Inojosa, José R , Somers, Virend K. , Thomas, Randal J. , López-Jiménez, Francisco

Journal of the American Heart Association | May 8, 2018 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 10 | Pages: No page available

10.1161/jaha.117.007505 Get It

Background Prognosis based on body fat percentage ( BF %) in patients with coronary artery disease has not been extensively studied. We tested the hypothesis that patients with coronary artery disease and increased BF % have a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events ( MACEs ) and that fat‐free mass is associated with better prognosis. Methods and Results We included 717 patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery disease events or procedures who underwent air displacement plethysmography to assess BF %; 75% were men, with a mean age 61.4±11.4 years and a mean body mass index of 30±5.4 kg/m 2 . Follow‐up was performed using a record linkage system. Patients were classified in sex‐specific quartiles of BF % and fat‐free mass index. The composite outcome of MACEs included acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death from any cause. After a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, 201 patients had a MACE . After adjusting for covariates, body mass index was not associated with MACEs ( P =0.12). However, the risk of MACEs for those in the highest BF % quartile was nearly double when compared with those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.77; P =0.0008). In contrast, fat‐free mass was inversely associated with MACEs . The risk of MACEs for those in the fourth fat‐free mass quartile was lower (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.82; P =0.004), when compared with those in the first quartile. Conclusions In patients with coronary artery disease, there is no obesity paradox when measuring BF % instead of body mass index. BF % is associated with a higher risk of MACEs , whereas fat‐free mass is associated with a lower risk of MACEs . Body mass index was not associated with MACEs .
Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Jiménez‐Navarro, Manuel F. , Pérez‐Belmonte, Luis M. , Lennon, Ryan J. , Diaz-Melean, Carlos M, Rodriguez-Escudero, Juan P., Crusan, Daniel J. , Prasad, Abhiram , Squires, Ray W. , Diaz-Melean, Carlos, Crusan, Daniel, López-Jiménez, Francisco , Lennon, Ryan J. , Goel, Kashish , Thomas, Randal J. , Prasad, Abhiram

Journal of the American Heart Association | October 12, 2017 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 10 | Pages: No page available

10.1161/jaha.117.006404 Get It

Background Participation in cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is an essential component of care for patients with coronary artery disease. However, little is known about its benefit on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus ( DM ) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of CR in this high‐risk group of patients. Methods and Results We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with DM who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in Olmsted County (Minnesota) between 1994 and 2010, assessing the impact of CR participation on clinical outcomes. CR participation was significantly lower in patients with DM (38%, 263/700) compared with those who did not have DM (45%, 1071/2379; P =0.004). Using propensity score adjustment, we found that in patients with DM , CR participation was associated with significantly reduced all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.80; P =0.002) and composite end point of mortality, myocardial infarction, or revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.98; P =0.037), during a median follow‐up of 8.1 years. In patients without DM , CR participation was associated with a significant reduction in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.82; P <0.001) and cardiac mortality (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.95; P =0.024). Conclusions CR participation after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower all‐cause mortality rates in patients with DM , to a similar degree as for those without DM . However, CR participation was lower in patients with DM , suggesting the need to identify and correct the barriers to CR participation for this higher‐risk group of patients.
Patient-perceived acceptability of a virtual world-based cardiac rehabilitation program
Kaihoi, Brian, Schaepe, Karen , Zarling, Kathleen K., Squires, Ray W. , Kopecky, Stephen L. , Brewer, LaPrincess C. , Zarling, Kathleen, Kopecky, Stephen, Thomas, Randal J.

DIGITAL HEALTH | April 24, 2017 | Volume: 3 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1177/2055207617705548 Get It

Background Despite its benefits, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation rates remain subpar. Telehealth lifestyle interventions have emerged as modalities to enhance CR accessibility. Virtual-world (VW) technology may provide a means to increase CR use. Objectives This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a VW-based CR program as an extension to medical center-based CR. Our goal is to apply the study results toward the design of a patient-centered VW platform prototype with high usability, understandability, and credibility. Methods Patients ( n = 8, 25% women) recently enrolled in outpatient CR at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota participated in a 12-week, VW health education program and provided feedback on the usability, design and satisfaction of the intervention at baseline and completion. A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze the participant perceptions of the intervention. Results Overall, there were positive participant perceptions of the VW experience. There was unanimous high satisfaction with the graphical interface appearance and ease of use. Participants placed value on the convenience, accessibility, and social connectivity of the remote program as well as the novelty of the simulation platform presentations, which aided in memorability of key concepts. Greater than 80% of participants reported that the program improved their health knowledge and helped to maintain better health habits. Conclusions Our pilot study revealed the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative VW-based CR program among cardiac patients. This novel delivery method for CR has the potential to influence healthy lifestyle change and to increase accessibility to vulnerable populations with higher cardiovascular disease burdens.