Ankle Weights Research Articles

Dumbbells and ankle-wrist weight training leads to changes in body composition and anthropometric parameters with potential cardiovascular disease risk reduction

Abstract Objectives Promoting physical activity is a global strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine and compare the effect of light resistance training using either dumbbells or ankle-wrist weights on the anthropometric parameters and body composition of adults in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods This randomized community trial was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia, from March through August 2012. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 23 kg/m 2 were randomized into dumbbell (N = 69) and ankle-wrist (N = 69) weight groups. Participants in the dumbbell group performed structured group exercises three times per week using a pair of one-kilogram dumbbells. Participants in the ankle-wrist weight group were given one pair of 500 gm ankle weights and one pair of 500 gm wrist weights to be worn during the activities of daily living three days per week for at least 20 min. BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BF%) and skeletal muscle percentage (SM%) were measured at baseline, week 6, month 3 and month 6. Results Eighty-nine participants completed this study. There were significant reductions in BMI only at week six for the dumbbell group. No significant BMI changes were observed for the ankle-wrist weight group. Significant improvements of WC, WHR, BF%, and SM% were observed in both intervention groups from baseline at week 6, month 3, and month 6. Conclusion Resistance exercise using either dumbbells or ankle-wrist weights produced significant improvements in certain components of body composition and anthropometric parameters.

Combined gait asymmetry metric.

People with physical impairments often have asymmetric gait. To evaluate if their overall symmetry is improving during intervention, there needs to be a simple metric that can help classify gait patterns that includes multiple measures of gait asymmetry. The Combined Gait Asymmetry Metric presented here is based on the Mahalanobis distance of multiple step parameters. We tested able-bodied subjects with perturbations that involve a change in leg length, the addition of ankle weights, and a combination of both perturbations. The Mahalanobis distances are calculated from perfect symmetry to all points in the data to analyze the effects of the different perturbations. The metric demonstrates how an overall view of symmetry can give a better perspective of asymmetry than only looking at a few individual parameters. This metric is straightforward and can be extended to include large numbers of spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters that more completely evaluate a change in gait symmetry.

Ocena efektów treningu fizycznego z zastosowaniem dodatkowego obciążenia kończyn w trakcie wczesnej rehabilitacji pacjentów po leczonym interwencyjnie ostrym zespole wieńcowym

Introduction. We aimed to investigate the effects of modified cardiac rehabilitation programme on functional fitness level. We modified the programme with the elements of resistance training relied on use of the ankle and wrist weights (1, 0.5 kg each). Material and methods. The study was performed on 40 patients in 2–3 weeks following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), after they underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were divided in to two groups: two groups of 20 patients each: control group with standard training and experimental group with elements of resistance training. An analysis of the data was performed before and after 18-session rehabilitation programme. The study was performed only in patients at moderate risk of cardiac disease according to American College of Sports Medicine 8th edition risk stratification. Results. Contemporary standard of cardiac rehabilitation provided to the patients post-ACS improved significantly (p < 0.05) the endurance parameters assessed with the 6-min walking test (from 517.75 ± 57.27 to 581 ± 94.04 m for the standard rehabilitation and from 523.00 ± 45.43 to 598.47 ± 57.30 m for modified programme with the elements of resistance). The strength of the arms and legs assessed with the dynamometry improved significantly with more pronounced improvement in the group with resistance training elements than in the standard rehabilitation group (from 33.10 ± 8.35 to 42.65 ± 11.90 kg and from 127.00 ± 25.49 to 154.40 ± 31.86 kg, respectively; p < 0.05). The strength endurance assessed with the SFT for the legs increased significantly in both groups. Conclusions. Early-phase cardiac rehabilitation extended with the elements of resistance training results in greater improvement, especially in the elements of strength.

Effects of wearing ankle weight on knee joint repositioning sense in the elderly.

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of different ankle weights on knee joint repositioning sense in elderly individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one subjects were divided for assessment as follows: young (20–30 years, n=10) and elderly (60–70 years, n=11). Knee joint repositioning error was measured by asking the subjects to reposition the target angle of their knee joints while wearing different ankle weights (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) in an open kinetic chain. The Hawk Digital System (60 Hz; Motion Analysis, Santa Rosa, CA, USA) was used to measure knee joint repositioning error. Differences in knee joint repositioning error between the young and elderly groups according to ankle weight load were examined by using two-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance. [Results] The knee joint repositioning error was lower with than without ankle weights in both groups. The error value was lowest with the 1.0% weight, though not significantly. Knee joint repositioning error was significantly higher in the elderly under all the ankle weight conditions. [Conclusion] Knee joint repositioning sense can be improved in elderly individuals by wearing proper ankle weights. However, weights that are too heavy might disturb knee joint positioning sense.

Coordination dynamics of (a)symmetrically loaded gait.

Asymmetries in the resonant frequency of limbs/effectors lead to changes in coordination dynamics, including deviations in relative phase at ϕ=0 or π rad and reduced stability. These effects have been successfully modeled by the extended Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) coupled oscillator model (Kelso et al. in Attention and performance XIII. Erlbaum, Hillsdale, pp 139-169, 1990), and supported in laboratory tasks of rhythmic limb motions. Efforts to apply the HKB model to walking have supported the predicted deviations in phase, but not the expected decreases in coordination stability. The lack of stability effects arising from asymmetries may be due to the stabilizing influence of a treadmill or may be obscured by the balance requirements and ground impacts in gait. This study examined these possibilities by investigating walking overground with ankle weights of 3 or 6kg to create asymmetries between the legs, as well as symmetrical loads. Participants walked without a metronome and separately with a metronome to control speed and cadence. Coordination dynamics between the legs were quantified through mean and standard deviation (SD) of ϕ, while individual leg local dynamic stability was calculated as maximum Lyapunov exponent (λ (MAX)). Irrespective of the condition, asymmetrical loads led to deviations in phase from antiphase with the loaded leg lagging behind the other, and both SDϕ and λ (MAX) increased (i.e., stability decreased). Symmetrical loads had no effect on phase deviations, but decreased stability. Overall, these findings indicate that the HKB model captures coordination dynamics in walking, but also highlights limitations in modeling the influence of loads on an individual limb.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation-Induced Resistance Training After SCI: A Review of the Dudley Protocol.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), often referred to as functional electrical stimulation (FES), has been used to activate paralyzed skeletal muscle in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal of NMES has been to reverse some of the dramatic losses in skeletal muscle mass, to stimulate functional improvements in people with incomplete paralysis, and to produce some of the health benefits associated with exercise. The purpose of this brief review is to describe a quantifiable resistance training form of NMES developed by Gary A. Dudley. People with motor complete SCI were first tested to confirm that an NMES-induced muscle contraction of the quadriceps muscle could be achieved. The contraction stimulus consisted of biphasic pulses at 35 Hz performed with increasing current up to what was needed to produce full knee extension. Four sets of 10 knee extensions were elicited, if possible. Training occurred biweekly for 3 to 6 months, with ankle weights being increased up to an added weight of 9.1 kg if the 40 repetitions could be performed successfully for 2 sessions. Many participants have performed this protocol without adverse events, and all participants showed progression in the number of repetitions and/or the amount of weight lifted. Large increases in muscle mass occur, averaging 30% to 40%. Additional physiological adaptations to stimulated muscle have also been reported. These results demonstrate that the affected skeletal muscle after SCI responds robustly to progressive resistance training many years after injury. Future work with NMES should determine whether gains in lean mass translate to improved health, function, and quality of life.

Effect of Resistance Exercises on the Indicators of Muscle Reserves and Handgrip Strength in Adult Patients on Hemodialysis

Although resistance exercise has been associated with improvement in the muscle reserves, muscle strength and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of resistance exercise performed during hemodialysis sessions on the anthropometric indicators of muscle reserve and handgrip strength in sedentary malnourished patients with end-stage renal disease. Patients were randomized to perform resistance exercise during hemodialysis sessions with ankle weights and resistance bands. The exercises were performed twice a week over the course of 12weeks. The control group underwent a hemodialysis session alone. The outcomes measures were the following anthropometric measurements: arm muscle circumference and arm muscle area. Dynamometry was used to measure the handgrip strength. Sixty-one sedentary patients with a median age of 29years (interquartile range [IQR] 21-39years), and 83% presenting with some grade of malnutrition were equally randomized to either the intervention or control group. In the resistance exercise group, there was an increase in the arm muscle circumference from 233.6 (IQR 202-254) mm to 241.4 (IQR 203-264) mm (P= .001), arm muscle area from 35.9 (26-41) cm(2) to 36.6 (IQR 26-46) cm(2) (P= .002), and handgrip strength from 19.6 (IQR 11-28) kg to 21.2 (IQR 13-32) kg between the basal and final measurements (P<.05). The tolerance to exercise was adequate, and no adverse events were reported during the practical exercise. Resistance exercise at least twice a week is safe and represents an opportunity for improving the muscle mass and strength in adult patients who are on hemodialysis, including in those with malnutrition.

Exacerbation of cardiac energetic impairment during exercise in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a potential mechanism for diastolic dysfunction.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the commonest cause of sudden cardiac death in the young, with an excess of exercise-related deaths. The HCM sarcomere mutations increase the energy cost of contraction and impaired resting cardiac energetics has been documented by measurement of phosphocreatine/ATP (PCr/ATP) using (31)Phosphorus MR Spectroscopy ((31)P MRS). We hypothesized that cardiac energetics are further impaired acutely during exercise in HCM and that this would have important functional consequences. (31)P MRS was performed in 35 HCM patients and 20 age- and gender-matched normal volunteers at rest and during leg exercise with 2.5 kg ankle weights. Peak left-ventricular filling rates (PFRs) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPRI) were calculated during adenosine stress. Resting PCr/ATP was significantly reduced in HCM (HCM: 1.71 ± 0.35, normal 2.14 ± 0.35 P < 0.0001). During exercise, there was a further reduction in PCr/ATP in HCM (1.56 ± 0.29, P = 0.02 compared with rest) but not in normals (2.16 ± 0.26, P = 0.98 compared with rest). There was no correlation between PCr/ATP reduction and cardiac mass, wall thickness, MPRI, or late-gadolinium enhancement. PFR and PCr/ATP were significantly correlated at rest (r = 0.48, P = 0.02) and stress (r = 0.53, P = 0.01). During exercise, the pre-existing energetic deficit in HCM is further exacerbated independent of hypertrophy, perfusion reserve, or degree of fibrosis. This is in keeping with the change at the myofilament level. We offer a potential explanation for exercise-related diastolic dysfunction in HCM.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation training increases intermuscular fascial length but not tendon cross-sectional area after spinal cord injury.

To determine the effects of 12 weeks of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training with ankle weights on intermuscular fascial length and patellar tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study was a pre-post intervention. Seven men with motor complete SCI were randomly assigned to a resistance training plus diet (RT + diet) group (n = 4) or a diet control group (n = 3). Participants in the RT + diet group were enrolled in a 12-week leg extension weight-lifting program via surface NMES of the knee extensor muscle group. The length of mid-thigh intermuscular fascia and the patellar tendon CSA were measured using MRI. In the RT + diet group, a nonsignificant 8% increase in the CSA of the patellar tendon (P = .14) was noted. The length of the mid-thigh intermuscular fascia increased by 19% and 23% in the right (P = .029) and left (P = .015) legs, respectively, with no changes in the diet control group. Positive relationships were noted between skeletal muscle CSAs of the whole thigh (r = 0.77, P = .041) and knee extensors (r = 0.76, P = .048) and intermuscular fascial length. The preliminary results suggest that noncontractile connective tissue structures of the knee extensors respond differently to NMES training after SCI. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy is associated with an increase in the intermuscular fascial length.

Older people's experiences of therapeutic exercise as part of a falls prevention service: survey findings from England, Wales and Northern Ireland

falling, and fear of falling, significantly affect older people and their lifestyle resulting in loss of confidence, restriction of activity and deteriorating quality of life. Multi-factorial assessment and active participation in an evidence-based exercise programme are key interventions to prevent and manage falls. to examine older people's experiences of therapeutic exercise as part of a falls prevention service in NHS Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. a cross-sectional survey targeted patients and staff members delivering exercise interventions for reducing falls. A multi-disciplinary group including patient and staff representatives developed a 20-item patient questionnaire and a 12-item staff questionnaire that were distributed to 94 NHS Trusts (113 participating sites within the NHS Trusts) in October 2011. response was 57% for the patient sample and 88% for the staff sample. The median (IQR) age of patients was 82 (77-86) years. 72% were women. Two-thirds reported attending group-based therapeutic exercise classes generally of short duration (80% <12 weeks) and low intensity (85% one class per week) at hospitals and community venues. Balance and strength exercises were prescribed; 68% reported using resistance equipment such as ankle weights and/or exercise band. Only 52% reported exercises were made more difficult as they improved. However, patient satisfaction levels were high (95% satisfied or very satisfied). Patients and staff reported limited availability of strength and balance follow-up classes. despite high levels of patient satisfaction therapeutic exercise provision was limited and implementation of evidence-based exercise interventions by healthcare providers is incomplete and varies widely. Patients and staff wanted greater availability of long-term exercise services for falls prevention.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation attenuates thigh skeletal muscles atrophy but not trunk muscles after spinal cord injury

The current study examined the effects of 12weeks of surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and ankle weights on the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of three thigh [Gracilis (Gra), Sartorious (Sar) and Adductor (Add)] as well as two trunk [hip flexor (HF) and back extensor (BE)] muscle groups in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seven individuals with chronic motor complete SCI were randomly assigned into a resistance training +diet (RT+diet; n=4) or diet control (n=3) groups. The RT+diet group underwent twice weekly training with surface NMES and ankle weights for 12weeks. Training composed of four sets of 10 repetitions of leg extension exercise while sitting in their wheelchairs. Both groups were asked to monitor their dietary intake. Magnetic resonance images were captured before and after 12weeks of interventions. Gra muscle CSA showed no change before and after interventions. A significant interaction (P=0.001) was noted between both groups as result of 9% increase and 10% decrease in the Gra muscle CSA of the RT+diet and diet groups, respectively. Sar muscle CSA increased [1.7±0.4–2.5±0.5cm2; P=0.029] in the RT+diet group with no change [2.9±1.4–2.6±1.3cm2] in the diet group; with interaction noted between both groups (P=0.002). Analysis of covariance indicated that Add muscle CSA was 38% greater in the RT+diet compared to the diet group (P=0.025) after 12weeks; a trend of interaction was also noted between both groups (P=0.06). HF and BE muscle groups showed no apparent changes in CSA in both groups. The results suggested that surface NMES can delay the process of progressive skeletal muscle atrophy after chronic SCI. However, the effects are localized to the trained thigh muscles and do not extend to the proximal trunk muscles.

Effects of Resistance Training on Adiposity and Metabolism after Spinal Cord Injury

This pilot work was conducted to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation resistance training (RT) of the paralyzed knee extensor muscle groups on skeletal muscle and intramuscular fat (IMF) cross-sectional areas, trunk visceral adipose tissue (VAT), carbohydrate, and lipid profiles in men with spinal cord injury. Nine individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury were randomly assigned to an RT + diet group (n = 5) or a diet group (n = 4). The RT + diet underwent 12 wk of progressive RT, twice weekly, to the knee extensor muscle groups using neuromuscular electrical stimulation and ankle weights. Weekly feedback was provided to both groups to maintain a standard diet. Magnetic resonance imaging and a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometric images were obtained before and 1 wk after interventions. Participants underwent a metabolic study after a 12-h overnight fast to measure fasting and postchallenge plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy was detected in the whole thigh, knee extensors, and flexors in the RT + diet group compared with the diet group. VAT cross-sectional area, VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio at L5-S3, and percent IMF decreased significantly in the RT + diet group. Plasma insulin area under the curve decreased in the RT + diet group but not in the diet group. Fasting triglycerides and cholesterol/HDL decreased in the RT + diet group. Twice-weekly evoked RT to the paralyzed lower extremities resulted in significant skeletal muscle hypertrophy that was associated with reduction in VAT, VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio, and percent IMF. Significant improvements in insulin profile and lipid metabolism were noted in the RT + diet when compared with diet alone.

Effects of Resistance Training and Dietary Changes on Physical Function and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Older Adults

Community-based interventions that incorporate resistance training (RT) and dietary changes have not been extensively studied in overweight and obese older adults. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a community-based RT and dietary intervention on physical function and body composition in overweight and obese older adults. Ninety-five overweight and obese (BMI=33.4±4.0 kg/m2) older adults aged 55-80 years completed an 8-week RT and dietary intervention at 4 Rhode Island senior centers. Participants performed RT twice-weekly using resistance tubing, dumbbells, and ankle weights. Participants also attended 1 weekly dietary counseling session on a modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. Outcome measurements included anthropometrics, body composition, and physical function. There were small changes in body mass (-1.0±1.8 kg, P<.001), waist circumference (-5.2±3.8 cm, P<.001), and percent body fat (-0.5±1.4%, P<.001). In addition, significant improvements were observed in knee extensor torque (+7.9±19.1 N-m, P<.001), handgrip strength (+1.2±2.5 kg, P<.001), and 8-foot up-and-go test time (-0.56±0.89 s, P<.001). Community-based RT and dietary modifications can improve body composition, muscle strength, and physical function in overweight and obese older adults. Future investigations should determine if this intervention is effective for long-term changes.

Improving Measures of Function Using an Inexpensive High Velocity Training Program

Research suggests that high velocity resistance training is a more advantageous way to improve certain functional measures, and reduce the risk of disablement in older adults. The training protocols associated with these results have utilized pneumatic exercise training equipment that may not be cost effective or accessible to the majority of the older adult population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to see if a high velocity training program, using ankle weights, can improve measures of function in community dwelling functionally limited older adults. METHODS: Twenty two older adults (15 F, 7 M) over the age of 70 participated in the study with mean (± SD) age at 84.64 ± 6.85 years. All participants were free of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic disease and completed an informed consent. Participants were screened for mobility limitations using the Short Physical Performance Battery, and those included received a score of 10 or below, making them functionally limited. All participants were tested three times during the 12-week exercise intervention (pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention) on dynamic balance, maximal walking speed, 8-foot up-and-go, and chair stand. The training consisted of two days per week for 12 weeks, and all exercises were progressed using ankle weights. The exercises performed were standing hip flexion, standing hip extension, standing heel raises, and chair stand. RESULTS: A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data to see if within group differences existed on the aforementioned variables. Statistical significance was α =.05. Results indicated that significant time effects existed on the chair stand variable, F (2, 42) = 19.52, p <.01. Post-hoc analysis revealed that within the chair stand variable, both time points had significant effects, time 1 to time 2, F (2, 42) = 20.16, p <.01, and time 1 to time 3, F (2, 42) = 34.24, p <.01. CONCLUSION: Although significant time effects were not seen in all of the variables tested, individual changes were noted from pre to post testing. For the maximal walking speed variable, 15 of the 22 older adults improved or maintained the same speed with some individuals showing a 20% to 30% improvement. This suggests that an inexpensive exercise program can improve measures of function in older adults.

Effect of Ankle Weights on EMG Activity of the Semitendinosus and Knee Stability During Walking by Community-Dwelling Elderly

〔目的〕足部重錘負荷歩行が前方動揺量および半腱様筋活動に及ぼす影響を検討した。〔対象〕地域在住高齢女性39名を対象とした。〔方法〕重錘なし歩行，1.5 kg重錘歩行，2.5 kg重錘歩行の3条件において，膝関節前方動揺量（mm），一歩行周期及び荷重応答期の半腱様筋活動量（ μV）を算出し，条件間で比較した。〔結果〕前方動揺量は，2.5 kg重錘歩行および重錘なし歩行において，1.5 kg重錘歩行のそれと比較して有意に低値を示した。一歩行周期の半腱様筋活動量は，重錘が重いほど有意に増加した。一方，荷重応答期の筋活動量は，1.5 kg重錘歩行と重錘なし歩行において有意な差を認めなかった。〔結語〕2.5 kg重錘歩行は，半腱様筋のトレーニングとして有用になる可能性がある。

The Effects of a Walking Exercise Program on Fall-Related Fitness, Bone Metabolism, and Fall-Related Psychological Factors in Elderly Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 3-month walking exercise program with ankle weights on fall-related fitness, bone metabolism, and fall-related psychological factors. Fall-related fitness was determined from strength, balance, agility, aerobic endurance, muscle mass, and fat mass measures. Bone metabolism was measured using bone density, hormones, and biochemical markers. Fall-related psychological factors included fear of falling and falls efficacy. A 2 × 2 factorial with repeated measures design was used. All subjects were community-dwelling elderly women who volunteered to participate, and randomly were assigned to either an exercise group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 10). Results revealed significant changes in upper body strength, leg strength, aerobic endurance, and body composition. Additionally, hormones and biochemical markers changed significantly over time. Trunk fat and fear of falling changed differently among the two groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that a 3-month walking exercise program with ankle weights may have positive effects on fall-related fitness, bone metabolism, and fall-related psychological factors.

Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle Cross-sectional Area and Body Composition after Spinal Cord Injury

Skeletal muscle atrophy, decreased fat-free mass (FFM) and increased fat mass (FM) are common adaptations in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Evoked resistance training (RT) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and ankle weights to the paralyzed skeletal muscles has been shown to evoke significant hypertrophy. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of 12 weeks of NMES RT and diet when compared to diet only on skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) CSA and body composition (FFM and FM). METHODS: Nine individuals with motor complete SCI (C5-T11, 35 ± 9 years, 22 ± 4 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into one of two groups; RT + diet (n= 5) or diet control (n=4). The RT+ diet underwent 12weeks of progressive RT of the right and left knee extensors muscle groups using NMES and ankle weights. Weekly feedback was provided to both groups to maintain a standard diet at 45% carbohydrate, 30% fat and 25% protein. T1 weighted magnetic resonance images of both thighs and whole body dual x-ray absorptiometry were acquired prior to and after training. Analysis of covariance was used to test for statistical difference. RESULTS: Prior to training, skeletal muscle CSAs of the whole thigh, knee extensors and knee flexors were not different in the RT + diet versus diet. Following training, skeletal muscle hypertrophy was detected in the whole thigh (77.5 ± 16 vs. 53 ± 26 cm2, P < 0.0001), knee extensors (35 ± 3 vs. 26 ± 13 cm2, P < 0.0001) and knee flexors (22 ± 8 vs. 16 ± 6 cm2, P < 0.0001) in the RT + diet group versus the diet group, respectively. The RT + diet group skeletal muscle CSA of the whole thigh, knee extensors and knee flexors increased by 28%, 35% and 16%, P < 0.0001, respectively; while no change was observed in the diet group. There were no significant changes in the thigh SAT or whole body composition in either group. CONCLUSION: Twice a week of Evoked RT to the paralyzed lower extremities resulted in significant skeletal muscle hypertrophy in individuals with SCI. However, the length of training was not sufficient to induce changes in whole body composition or SAT. Supported by Research Support Fund Grant from Indiana University

Effects of aerobic exercise and resistance training on lipid profiles and inflammation status in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Physical function limitation is a common disorder in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, relating to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic and resistance trainings on blood lipids and inflammation status in HD patients. Out of 30 volunteer males who had been undergoing conventional maintenance HD within an HD unit in Tehran, 21 subjects were enrolled. They were randomly assigned into aerobic exercise group – resistance training group undergoing an 8-week intradialytic exercise program (three times/week) and control group (n = 7, each). Training program consisted of 10-30 min stationary cycling at an intensity of 12–16 out of 20 at the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of Borg scale in aerobic group and using ankle weights for knee extension, hip abduction and flexions at an intensity of 15–17 out of 20 at the RPE of Borg scale in resistance group. Fasting blood samples for serum biochemistry were drawn at baseline and 8 weeks. The age, HD duration, and physical activity score were 51.6±18.9yrs; 25.1±13.9 mo, and 19.2±7.6, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (43%), hypertension (28%), and obstructive uropathy (14%) were the most common underlying diseases. Aerobic and resistance exercises were correlated with serum creatinine (P< 0.0001 and P<0.001) and hs-CRP levels (P=0.005 and P=0.036) reduction so that aerobic exercise induced more reduction. These exercises had no influence on weight, Kt/V values, serum urea, albumin, hemoglobin, and lipid levels (P>0.05). Both intradialytic aerobic and resistance exercises showed beneficial effects on inflammation status without any influences on serum lipid levels probably due to short duration of the study which was not accompanied with body weight changes. Solute removal had no change during exercise programs. There is a need for more investigation on the role of exercise in HD patients.

Look before You Leap: Jumping Ability Affects Distance Perception

Previous research has demonstrated that changing perceivers' action capabilities can affect their perception of the extent over which an action is performed. In the current study, we manipulated jumping ability by having participants wear ankle weights and examined the influence of this manipulation on the perception of jumpable and un-jumpable extents. When wearing ankle weights, jumpable gaps appeared longer than when not wearing ankle weights; however, for un-jumpable gaps, there was no difference in the apparent gap extent, regardless of whether the participant was wearing ankle weights. This suggests that the perception of a jumpable extent is affected by one's action boundary for jumping, but only if jumping is an action that can be performed over the extent.

Short article: Carrying the height of the world on your ankles: Encumbering observers reduces estimates of how high an actor can jump

The authors investigated how changes in action capabilities affect estimation of affordances for another actor. Observers estimated maximum jumping-reach height for themselves and another actor. Half of the observers wore ankle weights that reduced their jumping ability. The ankle weights reduced estimates of maximum jumping-reach height that observers made for themselves and for the other actor, but only after observers had the opportunity to walk while wearing the weights. Changes in estimates closely matched changes in actual jumping-reach ability. Results confirm and extend recent investigations that indicate that perception of the spatial layout of surfaces in the environment is scaled to an observer's capacity to act, and they link that approach to another embodied cognition perspective that posits a link between one's own action capabilities and perception of the actions of other agents.