Amount Of Exercise Research Articles

The association between behavioral habits and physical health status in prostate cancer patients: a large US national health-related survey

BackgroundThe impact of behavioral habits such as exercise on the physical health of prostate cancer (PCa) patients is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate PCa patients' exercise habits and the association between exercise and self-reported physical health status. MethodsThe 2016–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) databases were used to identify men with a history of PCa. We identified patients with self-reported PCa diagnosis and excluded the non-male gender respondents in the self-reported PCa patients. We performed descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis examining the association between exercise and poor physical health status. Our exposure of interest was the amount of physical exercise, and primary outcome was poor physical health status, defined as >14 self-reported days per month when patients felt “physical health is not good.” Covariates included age, body mass index (BMI), income, treatment, smoking, and exercise frequency. ResultsFrom 2,193,981 weighted survey participants, we identified 3,952 men with a history of PCa. Of these, 75% of participants reported exercise within the last month. In adjusted analyses among men with a history of PCa, exercise (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.40–0.64, P < 0.001) was associated with lower odds of poor physical health status. Other independent predictors of poor physical health included income (High: OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18–0.41, P < 0.01), BMI (underweight: OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.38–10.37, P = 0.01), treatment status (Active: OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05–2.94, P = 0.03), smoking status (Active: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.13–2.38, P = 0.01). ConclusionOur BRFSS cross-sectional study concluded that exercise among men with a history of PCa, even once per month, is associated with decreased odds of self-reported poor physical health; therefore, exercise programs should be considered for sedentary PCa patients.

The Effect of Physical Exercise on Pilot Students' Emotional Regulation Ability: The Intermediary Role of Psychological Resilience

The aim of this research was to explore the relations between physical exercises and emotion regulation ability of pilot students in the aftermath of an epidemic, and also to investigate the intermediary role of psychological tolerance, with the aim of further finding measures to prevent and intervene in the development of emotional problems in pilot students, to promote pilot students’ psychological well-being better, and to safeguard aviation safety. This study used a questionnaire to examine 391 flight cadets, and the measurement tools included Physical Exercise Rating Scale, psychological resilience scale, and Emotion Regulation Scale. The results showed that the amount of physical exercise was significantly and positively correlated with emotion regulation ability, and psychological resilience was substantially and positively in correlation to emotion regulation ability; psychological resilience mediated in part by physical activities and pilots' emotion regulation ability, and the effect percentage was 52.63%. In summary, it is concluded that: (1) Physical exercise positively predicts the emotional regulation skills of student pilots, physical exercise has a positive predictive effect on psychological resilience, and psychological resilience has a positive predictive effect on pilot students' emotion regulation ability; and (2) Psychological resilience plays a partially mediating role in the impact between physical exercise and pilot students' emotion regulation ability.

A Feasibility Study Investigating an Exercise Program in Metastatic Cancer Based on the Patient-Preferred Delivery Mode.

Feasibility of exercise in patients with metastatic cancer is still a challenge. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an exercise intervention based on a patient-preferred delivery mode in patients affected by metastatic cancer. Forty-four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of metastatic cancer were recruited in a 3-month exercise program. Whereas the exercise program consisted of aerobic and resistance activities performed twice a week, the participants may choose the mode of delivery: home based, personal training, or group based. The primary endpoint was the feasibility, defined by recruitment rate, attendance, adherence, dropout rate, tolerability (comparing the session RPE with the target RPE), and safety (using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0). Secondary endpoints included cardiorespiratory fitness (six minutes walking test), muscle strength (handgrip strength test and isometric leg press test), flexibility (the back scratch and chair sit and reach tests), anthropometric parameters (body mass index and waist-hip ratio), quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30 questionnaire), and amount of physical exercise (Godin's Shepard Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire). Descriptive statistics, Student t test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze data. The study recruitment rate was 81%. Out of 44 recruited patients, 28 chose the personal training program, 16 chose the home-based program, and none chose the group-based program. Nine dropouts occurred (20%), 6 in the personal training program, and 3 in the home-based intervention. The median attendance rate was 92%, adherence was 88%, tolerability was 100%, and 9 nonsevere adverse events were registered during the exercise sessions. An increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (P < .001) and flexibility (P = .011 for chair sit and reach; P = .040 for back scratch) was observed at the end of the intervention, while no changes in anthropometric values and muscle strength were detected. Different quality-of-life domains were improved following the intervention, including physical (P = .002), emotional (P < .001), and role functioning (P = .018), fatigue (P = .030), and appetite loss (P = .005). A 3-month exercise program based on a patient-preferred delivery mode is feasible in patients with metastatic cancer and may improve physical function and quality of life. NCT04226508.

A Comprehensive Statistical Study on Health and Lifestyle of Adults

‘Health is Wealth’ is a concept which is deeply rooted in Indian culture. We grow up learning this through shlokas as well as stories told by our parents and grandparents. Ayurveda is the first ancient Indian text that speaks about rest, movement, food and nutrition, meditation and emotional wellbeing, which originated more than 5000 years ago. It is considered as a guide for a joyful and healthy life. Health is the biggest wealth for a human being in his/her entire lifetime. One can survive without excess money but cannot survive without good health. Health is something that we cannot buy with money but we can take care of it and we can cure it when needed with the help of the money. Health refers to the physical and mental state of a human being. To stay healthy is not an option but a necessity to live a happy life. The basic laws of good health are related to the food we eat, the amount of physical exercise we do, our cleanliness, rest, and relaxation. A healthy person is normally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic. In recent times, we come across many people fighting with chronic diseases, physical health issues from infancy till death. The primary reason behind it must be changing environment, pollution along with lack of health literacy. The changes happening on a global scale may not be easily controlled by an individual, however maintaining an individual's health and leading a good lifestyle is in our hands.

How sales promotion influences consumers’ physical exercise and purchase behaviors: evidence from mobile exercise app data

Purpose Firms can benefit from designing sales promotion based on the analysis of consumers' physical exercise and purchase data. This study aims to study mobile exercise app data to explore how purchasing a promoted or nonpromoted product affects exercisers’ subsequent exercise and purchase behaviors.Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the theoretical framework of overjustification effect, this study empirically examines the effects of the purchase of promoted – monetary and nonmonetary – or nonpromoted products on relationships (1) between past and subsequent exercise behaviors and (2) between past exercise and subsequent purchase behaviors. Novel data of one million exercise activities and purchase transactions created by 7,517 mobile exercise app users were collected.Findings The results reveal that monetary and nonmonetary promotions have a negative effect on overall consumers’ amount of physical exercise but increase heavy exercisers’ exercise amount. In addition, nonmonetary (monetary) promotion has a positive (negative) effect on consumers’ purchase expenditure but has no moderating effect on the exercise–expenditure relationship.Originality/value This study provides a theoretical framework explaining how to mitigate the dark side of sales promotions while targeting right exercise consumer segments with the right promotion campaigns.

The health impacts of two policies regulating SO2 air pollution: Evidence from China

In developing countries widespread air pollution poses a major threat to public health calling for effective environmental regulation. This paper adds to the limited literature on the health impact of different environmental regulations. Using data from eight waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1993–2015), we employ a difference-in-differences model to investigate the health impact of two policies combatting SO2 air pollution: the command-and-control environmental regulation represented by the Two Control Zones (TCZ) and the market-oriented environmental regulation represented by the SO2 Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The main findings are that the TCZ policy resulted in a 39% reduction in the 4-week prevalence of air pollution-related diseases through channels such as reducing industrial SO2 emissions and industrial fumes emissions, and increasing individuals' amounts of physical exercise. In contrast, the ETS had no positive health effects, likely due to imperfect market mechanisms and environmental policy uncertainties. The health impact of the TCZ was most pronounced for respiratory illnesses, and was increasing over the period during which the policy was implemented. The positive health impact is stronger for outdoor, less educated, and lower income workers. Residents in Eastern regions and urban areas (especially the rural hukou holders living there) benefitted more from the environmental regulation.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical exercise among participants receiving the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) intervention: a repeated measure study

BackgroundThe potential decrease in daily physical activity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns may have a negative impact on people living with dementia. Given the limited literature around the effects of home confinement in people living with dementia, this study investigated changes in physical exercise levels of participants in the intervention arm of the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) Randomised Controlled Trial during the first COVID-19 national lockdown. It hypothesised that participants would maintain physical exercise levels.MethodsA repeated measure (three time points) study involving 30 participants (mean age = 78.0 years, 15 male and 15 female, 22 (73.0%) living with their primary caregiver), from four regions in England receiving the PrAISED intervention. PrAISED is an individually tailored intervention of physical exercises and functional activities. Trained therapists deliver therapy sessions over a period of 52 weeks. Study participants received therapy sessions via phone or video calling during the COVID-19 lockdown. This study investigated self-reported minutes of physical exercise recorded on study calendars for the months of February (i.e., baseline – pre-lockdown), May (i.e., T1 – during lockdown), and August (i.e., T2—post-lockdown) 2020.ResultsParticipants reported a statistically significant increase in activity levels between February and May (Wilcoxon Z = -2.013, p = 0.044) and a statistically significant decrease between May and August (Wilcoxon Z = -2.726, p = 0.004). No significant difference was found in the physical activity levels from pre- to post-lockdown (Wilcoxon Z = 0.485, p = 0.620).ConclusionDespite concerns that the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic might lead to reductions in physical exercise, participants in receipt of the PrAISED intervention increased their amount of physical exercise during lockdown. Our findings support the potential of remote support for people living with dementia to help them maintain physical exercise levels in circumstances where face-to-face service provision is not possible.Trial registrationThe PrAISED trial and process evaluation have received ethical approval number 18/YH/0059 from the Bradford/Leeds Ethics Committee.The Clinical Trial Identifier for PrAISED is: ISRCTN15320670 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15320670). Registration was made on 04/09/2018.

Impacto del confinamiento en el ejercicio físico de los pacientes con artrosis durante la pandemia COVID-19

IntroductionPhysical activity is essential in the osteoarthritis population, however, confinement during the COVID pandemic forced lifestyle changes. An observational and descriptive study was conducted to assess physical exercise in people with degenerative osteoarticular disease (DOD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methodsA telephone survey was conducted among people over 60 years of age with DOD previously treated at the Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, assessing physical exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement. The variables (time of physical exercise, causes if exercise was reduced, and pain intensity) were analysed and compared with the situation prior to home confinement. ResultsA total of 33 patients (8 men, 25 women) were included, with a mean age of 75.6 years. Polyarthrosis was the most frequent diagnosis. 51.5% performed the same amount of physical exercise, 21.21% performed more and 24.2% less than before. Only 6.1% performed more than 1 h a day of activity. 36.4% had more pain than previously. ConclusionsAlthough there is a high adherence to the exercises learned in the rehabilitation service, COVID-19 confinement has had a negative effect on the level of exercise performed by POD patients. It is advisable to encourage physical exercise during periods of lockdown.

The Relationship between Different Amounts of Physical Exercise, Internal Inhibition, and Drug Craving in Individuals with Substance-Use Disorders.

Purpose: To explore the relationship between different amounts of physical exercise and drug craving in individuals with substance-use disorders (SUD), and to reveal the mediating role of internal inhibition between physical activity and drug craving. Method: This study adopted the Physical Activity Rating Scale, Internal Inhibition Scale, and Drug Craving Scale to assess 438 cases of SUD in a compulsory isolation detoxification center in southwest China. Results: (1) The amount of physical exercise individuals with SUD engaged in was positively correlated with internal inhibition and negatively correlated with drug craving, while the amount of physical exercise was negatively correlated with drug craving. (2) The amount of physical exercise was able to negatively predict drug craving in addicts, the amount of physical exercise and internal inhibition were able to jointly predict drug craving, and internal inhibition played a mediating role between the amount of physical exercise and drug craving (the mediating effect was 0.22). (3) There was a dose-effect relationship regarding different amounts of physical exercises and drug craving. Internal inhibition did not mediate between a low amount of physical exercise and drug craving, it played a partial mediating role between a moderate amount of physical exercise and drug craving (the mediating effect was −0.19), and it played a partial mediating role between a high amount of physical exercise and drug craving (the mediating effect was −0.15). Conclusions: Physical activity has a positive effect on reducing drug craving in individuals with SUD. Moreover, in the process of sports rehabilitation for SUD, medium or high amounts of physical activity were required in order to effectively reduce and alleviate drug cravings.

Active leisure, passive leisure and health

Leisure consumption has been increasing in the United States since the 1960s. Over the same period, inactive lifestyles have contributed to adverse health outcomes. We propose a new way of categorizing leisure into groups based on the amount of physical exercise needed. Our results show that physically active leisure is a normal good whose demand rises with education and health, while physically passive leisure is an inferior good whose demand rises with lower education and poorer health. These patterns allow us to propose a taxonomy that categorizes various leisure activities into ‘Active’ and ‘Passive’ groups.

COVID-19 pandemic: pain, quality of life and impact on public health in the confinement in Spain.

Given the uncontrolled increase of those affected by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, COVID-19, and the possibility of the health system collapsing in Spain, the Royal Decree 463/2020, of March 14th, declared a state of alarm for the management of this health crisis. The whole population, despite their social background, were confined inside their homes during this arduous situation. There are numerous articles that endorse the idea that their home conditions, the number of people with whom they coexist with, their employment, gender, amount of physical exercise, as well as their body mass index and their diagnosis in COVID-19 are characteristics that may represent an increased risk of suffering pain and changes in their quality of life. We proposed a study to determine the impact of the confinement on pain, quality of life and public health of the Spanish population due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational study was carried out during April and May 2020 through an online survey. It was statistically analysed through descriptive analysis and inferential analysis by bivariate logistic regression, ordinal logistic and Pearson's chi square. A total of 225 questionnaires were obtained between April and May 2020. For subjects suffering pain before confinement, significant relationships were drawn between experiencing pain and work-related activities (P=0.006), as well as, physical activity or the absence of it (P=0.033). In addition, an important association between experiencing pain and gender was discovered, both for people suffering pain before and during confinement (P=0.007 and P=0.011). Furthermore, the confinement has affected the quality of life of those affected, particularly in relation with suffering pain before and during confinement (P=0.001 and P=0.000), Job type (P=0.016) and BMI (P=0.025) and affecting more Physical Role, Emotional Role and Mental Health, followed by Physical Function. The presence of pain in subjects undergoing confinement is persistent, with varying intensity and frequency based on age, gender, physical activity, and work status. In any of these conditions, the quality of life of the subjects in confinement has been severely affected, which to this day creates a severe public health problem.

Intervention of a Physical Movement Program “Body Management in Safe Ranges” Enhances Self-Management in Aging

Active aging is a broad concept in the sociology of aging. It emphasizes the links between health and activity and aging healthily (WHO, 2001a). As a strategy, active aging is to maximize everyone’s potential to improve their individual quality of life. Self-management is a concept to which the idea of active aging is applied. This theory is used in many intervention. Self-management in aging relates to people’s involvement in initiating progressive actions that will prepare them for aging. The Body Management in Safe Ranges (BMSR) program is a self-management program for aging. BMSR uses functional task (FT) movement as a means for managing aging, strengthens participants’ self-efficacy, supports cognitive-motor strategies and movement in safe ranges. We use quasi experiment 2x2x2 design: intervention (experiment – control) X time (before-after) X group (community-retirement residence). For collecting data were used self-management questionnaire (SMAS-30), general self-efficacy questionnaire, BMSR questionnaire (BMSR-21) created for the current study. A significant improvement was found in the intervention group compared to the control group. No difference was found between social networks. Significant improvements were seen in program participants’ reports about their physical abilities and condition, as well as their perceptions of the program, self-efficacy and additional factors encouraging them to improve their day-to-day functional abilities. The higher the final BMSR score given, the better their self-management abilities and self-efficacy. It was found that positive change to managing their bodies in safe ranges correlated to positive changes in self-management and self-efficacy ranges. BMSR is an independent factor that does not depend on social networks and environment or on participants’ starting condition (age, amount of physical exercise, pain levels), can be carried out in varied framework, physical conditions, and abilities for which further research is needed. Changes seen in self-management and self-efficacy measurements in the intervention groups indicate that the BMSR program can serve as a self-management program in old age using movement as a means.

Diabetes-Related Distress and Its Associated Factors Among Patients with Diabetes in Vietnam.

BackgroundPsychometric properties are regarded as one of the significant contributors related to diabetes treatment efficacy. Diabetes-related distress (DD) is one of the emotional burdens. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of DD and to determine its associated factors among Vietnamese diabetic patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at a single medical center in the central of Vietnam. A total of 138 eligible DM outpatients were invited and a total of 112 patients who completed the questionnaire were utilized in this analysis using convenience sampling. DD was assessed using the diabetes distress scale (DDS). The participant’s sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained through face-to-face interviews and medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with the presence of DD.ResultsApproximately, 12.5% of the patients experienced DD based on DDS self-administered questionnaire. The rates of mild/moderate and high distress were 8.0% and 4.5%, respectively. DD was found to be significantly higher in type 1 DM (p=0.04), insulin only in treatment regime (p=0.04), physical inactivities (p=0.02), times of mild hypoglycemia (time/month) (p=0.01), and fasting plasma glucose (mmol/l) (p=0.04). The occurrence of distress among DM patients was negatively correlated with their age and amount of physical exercise. Meanwhile, poor HbA1c control (HbA1c≥7%) was associated with an increased occurrence of diabetes distress.ConclusionThe findings of single medical center in Vietnam highlights that DD is prevalent among DM patients. It should be of marked concerns, particularly the type 1 diabetic patients, younger age, and poor glycemic control patients.

Very light physical activity amount in FTO genetically predisposed obese individuals

Fat mass and obesity-related (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism has a role in body mass index (BMI) increase and in predisposing to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim was to investigate if a very light physical activity could counteract weight gain and MetS in obese subjects bearing the rs9939609 FTO polymorphism from Southern Italy. Data of fitness components, anthropometry, clinical-biochemical parameters and FTO polymorphism in 78 unrelated morbid obese subjects from Southern Italy (15–30 years) were examined. Physical activity energy expenditure was monitored by a SenseWear Pro 3 Armband for 24 h/day for 2 consecutive weekdays in all enrolled individuals. Sedentary obese subjects had higher waist circumference (124.8 vs 117.9 cm, P < 0.05), BMI (43.4 vs 37.7 kg/m2, P < 0.0001) and fat mass (49.2 vs 44.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to lightly active ones. Further, lightly active obese subjects bearing the rs9939609 FTO minor allele had a lower BMI than polymorphic sedentary ones (37.1 vs 45.3 kg/m2, respectively, P < 0.01), and did not differ in metabolic syndrome presence. Our results suggest that a very light amount of physical exercise is associated with a lower BMI in obese subjects bearing the minor allele of the rs9939609 FTO polymorphism.

Dietary non-nutrients in the prevention of non-communicable diseases: Potentially related mechanisms.

Among the 10 leading causes of death in developed countries are chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The effect of these multifactorial diseases on public health has stimulated considerable research aimed at investigating their primary risk factors (genetic factors, stress, food intake, and amount of physical exercise). Thus, healthful foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, oils, grains, and seeds) are sources of bioactive compounds that promote good health and disease prevention. Among their components are non-caloric substances identified as non-nutrients (polyphenols, phytosterols, saponins, and phytates), which have been found to have a role in modulating metabolic pathways, maintaining health, and preventing NCDs. The aim of this study is to demonstrate and review the performance of some non-nutrients, such as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, modulation of the antiatherogenic lipid profile (higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerols), reduction of glucose and fat intestinal absorption, increase in insulin sensitivity, and stimulation of nitic oxide synthesis.

Risk factors of presenile nuclear cataract in health screening study

BackgroundTo identify risk factors for the development of presenile nuclear cataract in health screening test.MethodsThe cross sectional study included a total of 532 eyes of 266 participants aged 30 to 49 years of Samsung Medical Center from February 2013 to April 2015. Presence of nuclear cataract was defined when the log MAR visual acuity with correction was greater than or equal to 0.2 and one or more of the following were met: Pentacam Nuclear Staging (PNS) grading score ≥ 1, average value of nuclear density ≥ 15%, maximum value of nuclear density ≥ 30%. Possible risk factors were obtained from blood tests and questionnaires of a health screening test of Samsung Medical Center. Association between nuclear cataract and risk factors was investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis by generalized estimating equation (GEE) models.ResultsFive factors were significantly associated with presenile nuclear cataract: current smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–7.12, p = 0.0310], non-exercise and high amount of daily physical exercise (OR = 3.99, 95% CI, 1.27–12.52, p = 0.0178; OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.38–6.22, p = 0.0053), asthma (OR = 8.93, 95% CI, 1.12–71.15, p = 0.0386), tuberculosis (OR = 4.28, 95% CI, 1.36–13.50, p = 0.0131), and higher total iron binding capacity (OR = 1.01, 95% CI, 1.00–1.02, p = 0.0059).ConclusionsPresenile nuclear cataract is related to current smoking, non-exercise or high amount of physical exercise, asthma, tuberculosis, and iron deficiency status. The association of non-exercise group and presenile nuclear cataract seems to be related to co-morbidity. Patients with asthma, tuberculosis, or iron deficiency anemia are recommended to receive frequent ophthalmic examination to detect cataract.

An Examination of the “Freshman-15” in Germany

Abstract. The “Freshman-15” refers to an expected average weight gain of 15 pounds during the first year at college in US students. Although an overall weight gain during this period can be observed, most studies found that students gain less than 15 pounds on average. Studies in countries other than the US, however, are scarce. In the current study, 120 female freshmen at a German university were tested at the start of the first semester and again at the start of the second semester (after approximately 6 months). Body mass index (BMI) did not differ between measurements, but participants had 0.2% more body fat at the second measurement. Participants with higher BMI at the first measurement lost weight and participants with higher weight suppression (i.e., the difference between an individual’s highest previous weight and current weight) at the first measurement gained weight. Participants who reported to exercise regularly at the first measurement gained weight, but this effect was driven by those who reduced their amount of physical exercise during the first semester. Dietary habits and eating styles at the first measurement were not associated with weight change. To conclude, no evidence was found for an overall weight gain during the first semester in female, German students. Furthermore, weight change was exclusively predicted by BMI, weight suppression, and regular exercise, while eating behaviors were unrelated to weight change. Thus, it appears that variables influencing energy expenditure are more robust predictors of future weight gain than variables influencing energy intake in female freshmen.

Maximum striking velocities in strikes with steel rods-the influence of rod length, rod mass and volunteer parameters.

In blunt force trauma to the head caused by attacks with blunt instruments, contact forces can be estimated based on the conservation of momentum if impact velocities are known. The aims of this work were to measure maximum striking velocities and to examine the influence of rod parameters such as rod mass and length as well as volunteer parameters such as sex, age, body height, body mass, body mass index and the average amount of physical exercise. Steel rods with masses of 500, 1000 and 1500g as well as lengths of 40, 65 and 90cm were exemplarily tested as blunt instruments. Twenty-nine men and 22 women participated in this study. Each volunteer performed several vertical strikes with the steel rods onto a passive immobile target. Maximum striking velocities were measured by means of a Qualisys motion capture system using high-speed cameras and infrared light. Male volunteers achieved maximum striking velocities between 14.0 and 35.5m/s whereas female volunteers achieved values between 10.4 and 28.3m/s. Results show that maximum striking velocities increased with smaller rod masses and less consistently with higher rod lengths. Statistically significant influences were found in the volunteers' sex and average amount of physical exercise.

Relación entre ejercicio físico y procesos cognitivos en las personas mayores

Este artículo es una revisión bibliográfica que pretende reflejar el estado del arte de la relación entre práctica de ejercicio físico y los procesos cognitivos en la última fase de la vida de las personas. Diferentes estudios han relacionado la práctica del ejercicio con la reducción de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, con la mejora del bienestar y con una menor prevalencia en la aparición de enfermedades como el Alzheimer, Parkinson y síntomas de demencia. La actividad física favorece aquellos aspectos relacionados con la plasticidad neuronal, reflejándose beneficios a nivel molecular o celular, y a nivel estructural. La relación entre ejercicio físico y capacidad cognitiva se ha visto favorecida por el proceso de selección natural biológico al que ha sido sometido la especie humana y, en este marco, se señalan distintas hipótesis que fundamentan dicha relación. Se concluye explicando cuáles son las capacidades que podemos trabajar a través del ejercicio físico, la cantidad de actividad física necesaria para provocar mejoras, los tipos de actividades que pueden llevarse a cabo con personas mayores según su estado funcional, así como los programas que se pueden llevar a cabo con ellas.

Lifestyle modification for stroke prevention: facts and fiction.

The purpose is to summarize recent evidence on lifestyle modifications and first or recurrent stroke risk. Weight reduction, low-risk diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and low-to-moderate alcohol consumption may reduce stroke risk up to 50% or more, but level one evidence is still lacking for several interventions. Appropriate food ingredients can significantly decrease stroke risk as recently confirmed for Mediterranean diet. The optimal intensity and amount of physical exercise is still not well established before and after stroke, although modest levels of activity already show benefits. Passive smoking represents an important health hazard. The impact of tobacco withdrawal using e-cigarette is currently uncertain. Alcohol and stroke risk relation is probably J-shaped for ischaemic stroke and linear for intracranial haemorrhage. Coffee consumption is J-shaped for overall stroke. Several interventions have failed to show significant effects, including regular intake of 'healthy' forms of fatty acids, various vitamin supplements, and other antioxidants. Both individualized and public educational programmes are likely needed on a repetitive basis to induce and maintain a healthy lifestyle before or after a stroke.