Body Flexibility Research Articles

Associations between functional fitness and walking speed in older adults

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore 1) the overall associations between functional fitness and walking speed in older adults and 2) the key functional fitness parameters affecting older adults’ walking speeds. A total of 242 apparently healthy older adults finished a 6-m walking speed test at both usual walking speed (UWS) and maximum walking speed (MWS). Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery. The results revealed significantly moderate correlations of functional fitness with UWS (r = 0.380) and MWS (r = 0.436). Both age (UWS = −0.332, MWS = −0.324) and dynamic balance and agility (UWS = 0.329, MWS = 0.411) were key indicators of both UWS and MWS. In addition, gender (r = 0.090), aerobic endurance (r = 0.326), and lower body flexibility (r = 0.183) were key fitness indicators of MWS in older adults.

Effects of an Active Music Therapy Program on Functional Fitness in Community Older Adults.

Health problems common among older adults living in community settings include a lack of functional fitness. Many studies have confirmed that exercises and static music therapy improve physical and psychological health problems. Exercise programs involving music have a higher frequency of attendance and motivation than other exercise programs. Active participation in active group music therapy results in better therapeutic effects. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of a 3-month active group music therapy program on the functional fitness of community older adults in Taiwan. A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was applied. A convenience cluster sample of older adults was drawn from seven senior-citizen activity centers in southern Taiwan. All participants were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 77) or a comparison group (n = 69) based on the requests of each senior center. The experimental group participated in the active group music therapy program for 3 months (twice per week and 60 minutes per session). The comparison group maintained their daily activities. Each participant's level of functional fitness was measured at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after the start of the intervention. Seventy-one participants in the experimental group and 62 participants in the comparison group completed the 3-month study. At the 1-month measurement, the experimental group had greater improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, upper limb muscle power, lower limb muscle endurance, and balance than the comparison group (all ps < .05). These significant improvements persisted through the 3-month intervention (all ps < .05). Active group music therapy is an effective complementary and alternative therapy for improving six items of functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults. Healthcare professionals may incorporate this active group music therapy program as a health promotion activity for older adults living in community settings.

Effects of Individualized Functional Training on the Physical Fitness of Women with Obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a global public health problem with negative impact on health. Therefore, effective treatments options are needed. Objective: to evaluate the responses of a supervised functional training program on physical fitness and functional capacity of women with obesity. Methods: a prospective and controlled study was conducted with twenty-four women, BMI &gt;30 and &lt;55 kg/m² and age between 20 and 59 years. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests that assessed the cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity [6-minute step test (ST6min)], the indirect strength of the lower limbs [sit-to-stand test (STS)] and the flexibility [sit and reach test (SR)]. After the baseline evaluations, the volunteers were allocated in two groups: individualized training group (ITG) (n=13), which consisted of aerobic and strength training, for three months, three times a week, 60 minutes per session; and the control group (CG) (n=11) which did not participate in any regular physical exercise program during the same period. At the third month the two groups were reassessed. Results: it was observed significative reductions in waist circumference, hip and neck measurements; all with p&lt;0.01; and increase in VO2max, in the number of movements of STS and in distance reached in the SR test, all with p&lt;0.01 for the ITG. The ITG showed superiority over CG for all exercise test variables studied. Conclusion: The training program improved the distribution of body fat, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and functional capacity. These are indicatives that the strategy is feasible for women with obesity.

Lower body flexibility and body mass index in adolescent recreational practitioners and non-practitioners of Futsal

Introduction: Flexibility is a component of physical fitness, important not only for health promotion, but also for performance in several sports. Body mass index (BMI) is an easy and fast method to evaluate the nutritional status of a population. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare the level of lower body flexibility and BMI between adolescent recreational practitioners and non-practitioners of futsal. Methodology: Twenty futsal players (age 12 ± 1.3 years, weight 48.12 ± 3.71 kg, height 156.53 ± 4.9 cm) and twenty controls (age 11.7 ± 0.9 years, weight 41.73 ± 3.25 kg, height 153.70 ± 4.0 cm) participated in the study. The subjects had their body weight and height assessed using a digital scale and a wall-mounted stadiometer, respectively. The flexibility was assessed through the sit-and-reach test using a modified Wells Bench. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences between the groups. Result: Futsal recreational athletes presented higher body mass (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.83), higher BMI (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.07) and higher flexibility levels (p &lt; 0.01, d = 2.25). Conclusion: The practice of futsal plays an important role in the improvement of body mass management and flexibility. Further studies with other populations are suggested.

Balance impairment in survivors of pediatric brain cancers: risk factors and associated physical limitations.

The study aims were to determine the prevalence of balance impairments in adult survivors of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and to identify predictors of and limitations associated with balance impairments. Participants were adult survivors (N = 329) of pediatric CNS tumors. Balance was considered impaired among those with composite scores < 70 on the sensory organization test. Potential predictors of impaired balance were evaluated with generalized linear regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between balance impairment and function. Balance impairment was observed in 48% of survivors, and associated with infratentorial tumor location (OR = 4.0, 95% CI, 2.0-7.6), shunt placement (OR = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.8-6.7), increased body fat percentage (OR = 1.1, 95% CI, 1.0-1.1), hearing loss (OR = 11.1, 95% CI, 5.6-22.2), flexibility limitations (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.0-3.9), peripheral neuropathy (OR = 2.4, 95% CI, 1.2-4.5), and cognitive deficits (OR = 2.2, 95% CI, 1.1-4.7). In adjusted models, impaired balance was associated with limitations in overall physical performance (OR = 3.6, 95% CI, 2.0-6.3), mobility (OR = 2.6, 95% CI, 1.5-4.4), diminished walking endurance (OR = 2.9, 95% CI, 1.7-5.0), and non-independent living (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.0-4.3). Nearly half of adult survivors of pediatric CNS tumors have impaired balance, which is associated with mobility and physical performance limitations. Interventions to address the complex needs of this population should be prioritized. Survivors with identified risk factors should be closely evaluated for presence of balance impairment. Interventions tailored to improve balance also can positively affect function and mobility in survivors.

Functional responses of aquatic invertebrates to anthropogenic stressors in riparian zones of Neotropical savanna streams

Riparian zones ensure freshwater ecosystem processes such as microclimate regulation, organic matter inputs, and fine substrate retention. These processes illustrate the importance of riparian zones for freshwater ecosystem functioning, maintaining biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of anthropogenic pressures on aquatic ecosystems. We aimed to determine the freshwater invertebrate biological traits that are most affected by anthropogenic stressors in the riparian zones of 210 Neotropical savanna headwater streams. We assessed % canopy cover over the streambed, % fine bottom substrate, % leaf pack, substrate heterogeneity, and water temperature. Firstly, we identified bioindicator taxa in response to each local metric gradient. We assessed the functional response, based on biological traits of bioindicators previously selected. We identified 324,015 specimens belonging to 84 freshwater invertebrate taxa. Fifty-one taxa (60%) were bioindicators of anthropogenic stressors. We found three main sets of traits. (1) a set of traits linked to increased disturbance (higher percentage of fine sediments), consisting of organisms with aquatic adult stages, spherical body shape, and long adult life stages. (2) A set of traits linked to lower disturbance (higher substrate heterogeneity), including taxa with short or very short lifespans that live attached to substrates. (3) A set of traits linked to higher water temperature, including organisms with short adult lifespans and lower body flexibility. These patterns suggest that the stressors act as environmental filters and do not act independently on single traits, but rather, selecting sets of biological traits that facilitate taxa surviving and persisting in local environmental conditions. Our results support the development of powerful evaluation tools for environmental managers and decision makers. Because degraded freshwater communities respond in similar ways across large biogeographic areas, these sets of traits can be used for ecological monitoring efforts along other tropical savanna headwaters worldwide.

Comparing Physical Fitness in Career vs. Volunteer Firefighters.

Morris, CE, Arnett, SW, and Winchester, LJ. Comparing physical fitness in career vs. volunteer firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1304-1309, 2022-The purpose of this study was to assess the potential similarities and differences in health and physical fitness profiles between career firefighters (CFF) and volunteer firefighters (VFF). The research protocol consisted of a health and physical fitness assessment, testing the 5 components of health-related fitness using previously published and accepted protocols. The subject population consisted of a total of 138 firefighters, including 119 CFF and 19 VFF. Statistical significance was defined as a p level less than 0.05. An independent t test showed evidence of CFF having a significantly higher value/score for the following variables: height (p = 0.034), V̇o2max (p = 0.006), push-ups completed (p = 0.024), and plank time (p < 0.001). Volunteer firefighters had a significantly higher value for the following variables: fat mass (p = 0.002), body fat percentage (p < 0.001), and absolute grip strength (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences between groups for the following variables: age (p = 0.299), body mass (p = 0.166), fat-free mass (p = 0.281), body mass index (p = 0.057), flexibility (p = 0.106), or relative grip strength (p = 0.887). With regard to physical fitness testing, the VFF had a significantly worse fitness profile across a number of variables than the CFF. Practical applications: Despite the financial and commitment status of volunteer firefighting departments, their members perform an equally dangerous and important job as do firefighters of professional/career firefighting departments, and more attention should be directed toward developing the fitness and performance of these firefighters.

Random Analysis of Heavy‐Duty Vehicle Based on Rigid–Elastic Synthesis

Heavy‐duty vehicles have the advantages of heavy load, long transportation distance and so on, and ride comfort is an important feature of heavy‐duty vehicles. Flexibility of the heavy‐duty vehicle body is an essential factor in ride comfort, and a three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle is the main commercial vehicle in China. To comprehensively analyze flexibility of vehicle body, elastic natural characteristics of free‐free beam with equal cross sections are derived, and vibration energy of rigid–elastic synthesis of the beam is obtained. Because the vehicle body is regarded as a free‐free beam with equal cross section, a 10 degree‐of‐freedom rigid elastic synthesis mechanics model of the three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle is established, and a mathematics model of this heavy‐duty vehicle is derived based on the model energy. The frequency domain analysis method for the rigid–elastic synthesis model of a three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle is determined by Fourier transform. The formulas of vibration response for the three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle are derived, and the calculation method for statistical properties of vibration response is given. In order to analyze the effect of body flexibility on ride comfort, the ride comfort of a three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle is simulated according to both the rigid–elastic synthesis model and the rigid model of three‐axle heavy‐duty vehicle, and the simulation results are compared on a B‐grade road with a common speed of 70 km/h. The results show that rigid–elastic synthesis of the vehicle body has a greater effect on vertical accelerations of the vehicle body and a lesser effect on human vertical acceleration, working places of suspensions and relative dynamic loads of wheels under regular analysis. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF 8-WEEK FOOTBALL TRAINING ON FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND SELECTED PHYSICAL FITNESS ELEMENTS IN 11-13 YEARS OLD CHILDREN GROUP

This study aims to investigate the effects of 8-week football training on selected physical fitness elements and fine motor skills in 11-13-year-old children. Among the children who participated in the study, the children playing football in Marmarisspor formed the experimental group (n: 30), and the children studying at Salih Zeki Gur Secondary School formed the control group (n: 30). In total, 60 volunteer children participated in the study. The experimental method is applied in this study. Football training was applied to the participating group for 8 weeks, 3 days a week, and 50-60 minutes, and no exercise was applied to the control group. Statistical analysis of the data obtained from the research was done in the SPPS (version 16.0) package program. After examining the normality distribution of pre - test and post - test values of experiment and control groups with the Shapiro-Wilk test, paired t-test was used to compare the averages. The significance level was accepted as p 0, 05); there was a significant difference between body weight and flexibility features (p <0.05). It has been observed that 8-week football training positively affects body weight, body mass index, flexibility, handgrip strength, balance, fine motor skill, 30-meter sprint, and aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min). Article visualizations:

The role of plasticizer in optimizing the rheological behavior of ceramic pastes intended for stereolithography-based additive manufacturing

Adding plasticizer is an efficient way to regulate the rheological behavior of ceramic paste and quality of green body in stereolithography-based additive manufacturing. The type and content of plasticizers (polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)) had substantial effects on the rheological behavior and solid loading of ceramic paste, leading to varied macro / micro structure and strength of the green and sintered parts. DBP significantly reduced the viscosity and increased solid loading, and could adjust the flexibility of the green body by reducing the crosslinking density of UV curing system. PEG could inhibit crack initiation to some extent, but it was less effective for preventing cracking than DBP on ceramic parts with large-sized cross sections. It was concluded that DBP was more suitable as a plasticizer in alumina paste for SL additive manufacturing to form dense parts without defects.

A Low-Cost Smart Glove System for Real-Time Fitness Coaching

Strength training is becoming increasingly popular among all age groups, as it helps the participants increase muscle strength, improve body flexibility, reduce health risks, and reshape physical forms. However, strength training imposes strict regulations on gestures and requires professional instruction in real time for the sake of body-building efficiency and safety. For this purpose, in this article, we propose a novel low-cost system named iCoach, to provide real-time monitoring and coaching service for strength training participants. Specifically, we design and implement a smart fitness glove, which can be seamlessly equipped with a pervasive inertial unit. With this customized but low-cost device, we can recognize various training programs, detect nonstandard behaviors while exercising, and assess exercising qualities of a user. Our primary experimental results show that iCoach can recognize 15 sets of training programs, detect three common nonstandard behaviors, and assess the quality of training with high accuracy and reliability.

Analysis of Kinematic and Anthropometric Variables of the Spike Execution Technique of Volleyball

The research aimed to analyzed the kinematic and anthropometric variables of the spike execution technique of volleyball. 36 junior India level players from all over India of 16 - 20 years, age group were to be selected as subjects for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of subjects. Participants were required to deliver five relevant spiked execution attempts as well as the perfect trial used for the analysis. Elite coaches who were available during the evaluation for grading. The moment execution of the spike was measured based on certain criteria (10 point system). A Go Pro Hero 5 (camera) with a frequency of 240 frames per second was placed on the sagittal plane to measure kinematic parameters. Based on sequence photographs the scholar developed stick figures from which selected biomechanical variables were calculated. The stick figures, angle of different joints, the center of gravity were developed by kinovea version 0.8.27 software. Body segments (i.e., standing height, upper arm, lower arm, palm length, upper leg, and lower leg length) were measured by the anthropometric kit. The multiple regression analysis was to be used to find out the prediction of kinematic & anthropometric variables of the spike execution technique of volleyball at 0.05 level of significance. Results of this study shows the value of R2 is 0.883 in selected kinematic variables and 0.119 in selected anthropometric variables. It may be interpreted that all the four kinematic variables selected in the model namely, angle at right wrist, angle at right elbow, angle at right shoulder, and ball velocity and the anthropometric variable selected in the model name, palm length have significant predictability in estimating the value of the moment execution technique of spike in volleyball. The result concluded that the kinematic variables i.e., ball velocity, angle at right wrist, angle at right elbow, angle at right shoulder and palm length in anthropometric measurement are contributed in the moment execution to creat a maximum speed, force and accuracy in the spike technique of volleyball. This study also contributed in the best way to execute the technique of spike for performance enhancement of volleyball players. It is suggested that the results of this study provide useful information for coaches to training in upper body strength & flexibility levels for attempting to increase range of joint movement, hiting with accuracy of the spike technique and its helps in injury prevention of volleyball players.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness of Normal Weight/Overweight/Obese University Students.

This study aimed to apply longitudinal data (in four waves) to examine relationships between body mass index (BMI), flexibility, muscular endurance, and explosive power, and employed a random-intercept panel model (RIPM) to divide the variations of different waves into between- and within-person variations. Furthermore, a multi-group model test was conducted to explore whether an interaction effect existed between sex and these relationships. The data were collected from a university in Taiwan between August 2009 and July 2010, and 3863 freshman and junior students were recruited. Results showed that the between- and within-person relationships between BMI and explosive power, and between BMI and muscular endurance, were negative (independent of sex). The negative between- and within-person associations between BMI and muscular endurance were both invariant with respect to sex. The negative between-person associations between BMI and explosive power were not equivalent for both sexes, yet the within-person associations between BMI and explosive power were equivalent for both sexes. The between-person associations between BMI and flexibility were positive for both sexes, but the within-person associations of these two variables were negative for both sexes. The invariance test confirmed that the positive associations of between-person BMI and between-person flexibility were invariant for both sexes, yet the negative associations of within-person BMI and within-person flexibility were not equivalent for both sexes. Between-and within-person correlations among explosive power, muscular endurance, and flexibility were significantly positive. Only the auto-regressions of BMI and muscular endurance were significant and equivalent for both sexes.

Acute and chronic effect of stretching exercise on posture and flexibility of nurses and licensed practical nurses

Introduction: nurses and licensed practical nurses are among the most affected by postural deviations and their drawbacks, in the world. One of the ways to mitigate these ills is physical exercise, and it can be done at work environment, however, not as a form of workout gymnastics. Objective: To verify the effects of a muscle stretching exercise program (MSE) on posture and flexibility of nurses. Methods: Controlled clinical experiment with 28 nurses, aged 18-60 years, divided into experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=13). Anthropometric measures, flexibility and body posture of the trunk were performed. The intervention was of 08 weeks of MSE; each session lasted 40 min. The exercises had four sets of 30s of tension for 30s of the interval. An independent t-test compared the characteristics of the samples. The chi-square test treated the results regarding body posture, and the level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results: MSE promoted positive and chronic positive changes in the Experimental Group with attenuation of the concavities of the vertebral column in the cervical and thoracic regions. In the alignment of the cervical region and the curvature of the lumbar region, the effects were observed after the eight weeks of training, including sharp reduction of gibbosity in the scapula region after the exercise session. Conclusion: MSE promoted acute and chronic positive changes in body posture and flexibility in nurses.

Sports Injury Model For Effective Prevention, Diagnostic And Rehabilitation

In order to develop a model for a safe and effective return to sport after injuries, it is important to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of an injury. For the first time, we introduce the Tensiomyography (TMG) in the field of sport injuries (SI), a non-invasive and selective tool for the assessment of skeletal muscle contractile properties. As a recommendation from former experiences, a FC Barcelona documented a Muscle Injuries Clinical Guide 3.0 that explicitly emphasizes the use of TMG for the follow-up of muscle functional recovery and to help decide when the athlete can return to play. PURPOSE: To develop a thigh SI prediction model and explore factors of safe return to play. METHODS: The ongoing research project aims to monitor SI epidemiology in Slovenian premium soccer clubs. We monitored TMG of vastus lateralis and medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and semitendinosus of both legs; body characteristics (body height, mass and fat), motor tasks (strength endurance in hamstrings; explosive lower-body strength, flexibility of lower body). RESULTS: Based on 11 thigh SI we were able to predict four (sensitivity 27%, specificity 99%). When predicting only 6 biceps femoris hamstring SI we could predict 4 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%). The predictive factors were derived only from TMG parameters. It appears that the worst-case scenario for the SI occurrence of biceps femoris is it short TMG-derived contraction time, high biceps femoris tone and low lateral symmetry. Interestingly, there were no significant predictors from body characteristics and motor tasks. CONCLUSION: Twenty-seven percent of all thigh SI and 80% of hamstring SI could be predicted solely from simple-to-use and non-invasive TMG screening. It seems that short contraction time (previously linked to high proportion of type II muscle fibers) and high muscle tone are risk factor for hamstring injuries, especially where imbalances between both lateral sides were present. Supported by Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding no. L5-8245).

Cancer Patients Who Exercise In Pairs Gain Greater Fitness Compared To Individually Trained Patients

While individualized exercise training improves physical and psychosocial health, paired exercise training may result in similar improvements at a reduced patient-to-staff ratio. PURPOSE: To compare the effect of paired vs. individualized exercise training on physical and psychosocial health in cancer patients. METHODS: Twenty-five female cancer patients (mean±SD: 62±8 years) were assigned to exercise in pairs (n=13) or individually (n=12). They completed 36, 90-min sessions consisting of cardiovascular, resistance, balance and flexibility training according to standardized guidelines. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), muscular strength (1-repetition max), endurance (chair squat test), balance (single leg stance), and flexibility (sit-and-reach) were measured pre- and post-exercise. Psychosocial health was assessed pre-, mid- and post-intervention (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Insomnia Index, Brief Fatigue Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Two-way ANOVAs (Factors: Group, Time) were used to identify main effects or interactions; differences were detected with post-hoc tests. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Improvements in physical fitness were similar between paired (P) and singly (S) trained patients. VO2peak significantly increased from 26.6±9.2 to 31.0±7.2 ml•kg-1•min-1 (S) and 26.0±6.3 to 29.1±7.1 ml•kg-1•min-1 (P). Upper and lower body strength increased by 20.0% (S) and 19.6% (P); 15.9% (S) and 20.8% (P), respectively. Paired patients exhibited larger improvements in lower body endurance (S: 24.0% vs. P: 52.3%), flexibility (S: 5.3% vs. P: 11.0%), and balance (S: 17.8% vs. P: 36.8%). A significant main effect (Time) was detected in the functional dimension (FACT-G) but not in social (p=0.200), emotional (p=0.054), or physical well-being (p=0.075). Time (main effect) was not significant for insomnia for either group (p=0.0778), but paired patients had significant improvements in sleep from pre- to mid-intervention (9.8±6.9 vs. 7.2±6.3). CONCLUSION: The social aspect associated with paired exercise sessions may have increased motivation, resulting in enhanced improvements in fitness and mental well-being in the paired group. These data suggest that exercising in pairs is a promising approach to cancer rehabilitation.

Relation Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior And Chronic Disease Risk Factors Using Principal Component Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The overall health status of individual’s with chronic disease (CD) are positively and negatively affected by physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between PA, SB and selected indices of health in a diverse CD population using a principal component analysis (PCA). METHODS: Participants (n=237, 54.4% female, age (mean±SD) 62.2±11.1 yr) were recruited at induction to a community-based exercise program for CD. Primary CD included cardiovascular (n=101), respiratory (n=48), cancer (n=80), diabetes (n=34), arthritis (n=26) and unclassified (n=78). BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured and calculated using standard procedures. Upper and lower body strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed using a hand-grip test, sit-to-stand test (STS), sit and reach test (SRT), and 6-min time trial (6MTT), respectively. PA and SB were recorded using an activPAL3 micro accelerometer. QoL was assessed using the EQ5D VAS and the PHQ8. Fasting serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C and CRP were measured. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor. ActivPAL generated PA and SB variables were analyzed using PCA. General linear models were used to investigate the association between PA and SB and indices of health. RESULTS: PCA analysis of sedentary time, standing time, stepping time, LIPA, MVPA, step count, sedentary bout lengths and total number of sedentary bouts generated three distinct factor; i) prolonged sedentary behavior (PSB), ii) physical activity (PA), and iii) broken sedentary behavior (BSB). The three derived variables account for 86% of the total the variance in PA and SB. There was a significant main effect for PSB on LDL-C (F (1,189) = 9.06) and PHQ8 scores (F(1,162) = 6.82). There was a significant main effect for PA on BMI (F(1,99) = 14.48), WHR (F(1,99) = 5.77), STS (F(1,222) =77.08), 6 MTT (F(1,222) = 77.08), EQ5D VAS (F(1,162) = 14.13), triglycerides (F(1,188) = 4.95), CRP (F(1,155) = 4.28), and systolic BP (F(1,99) = 4.94). There was a significant main effect for BSB on HDL cholesterol (F(1,188) = 6.25). CONCLUSIONS: The PCA derived factors PSB, PA and BSB are associated with established disease risk factors in patients with CD

Determining The Influence Of The Conative Modus Operandi On Physical Fitness

PURPOSE: Using the Kolbe ATM Index, this study measured observable behaviors produced from striving instincts to determine the influence of the conative modus operandi on physical fitness changes during a 15-week wellness course. METHODS: Thirty-four volunteers participated in this study. Participants’ height, body weight, percent body fat, aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility were measured during week one and week 15. After pre-assessments, the Kolbe A Index was administered. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean gain scores between conative modus operandi groups, and to compare the mean gain scores between the Zones of Operation of Initiating Action, ReActing, and CounterActing for each Kolbe Action Mode™. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated to quantify the effect the conative modus operandi group or Zone of Operation had on changes in physical fitness measures. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationship between the conative modus operandi numbers ranging from 1-10 for each Kolbe Action Mode and gain scores. RESULTS: Physical fitness gain scores did not differ between conative modus operandi groups. When comparing Zones of Operation, the ReActing Quick Start zone gained a greater amount of weight than the CounterActing (1.59, 95% CI [-0.01, 3.19], p = .052, Cohen’s d = 0.90) and Initiating Action zones (1.99, 95% CI [-0.20, 4.18], p = .081, Cohen’s d = 1.34). The Initiating Action Follow Thru zone reported greater improvements in aerobic capacity than the ReActing zone F(1, 29) = 4.593, p = .041, Cohen’s d = 0.87. The Initiating Action Fact Finder zone improved in number of sit-ups, and the ReActing zone completed fewer sit-ups (12.70, 95% CI [0.285, 25.12], p = .044, Cohen’s d = 1.04). The values of correlation between the conative modus operandi numbers for Quick Start and gain scores in body fat were significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences between conative modus operandi groups and physical fitness changes were found; Zones of Operation influenced physical fitness changes to some degree. Therefore, measuring and understanding Zones of Operation may help practitioners promote and encourage changes in physical fitness.

Hop test does not correlate with neuromuscular control during drop vertical jump test: A prognostic comparative study utilizing healthy subjects

Background: A functional hop test is an established tool used to assess performance prior to return to sport. The effect of demographics, limb strength and flexibility, and neuromuscular control on hop test performance is not fully understood. Our hypothesis is that successful hop testing strongly (r&gt;0.7) correlates with increased strength and neuromuscular control in a healthy athletic population. Methods: In this prospective clinical performance evaluation, 25 asymptomatic, active individuals participated. Flexibility measurements were recorded with a standard goniometer, strength measurements were recorded with a handheld dynamometer, and kinematic data were collected during a drop vertical jump (DVJ) using a 14-camera 3D markerless motion analysis system. Frontal plane knee abduction angle and hip rotation were measured during DVJ. Each participant underwent triple hop, cross hop, and timed 6-m hop tests. Pearson product moment correlation (moderate correlation: r value 0.4–0.7, strong correlation: r&gt;0.7) analysis was used to assess the relationship between performance on hop tests and gender, body mass index, strength and flexibility, and frontal plane knee abduction angle and hip rotation on DVJ. Results: Hip abduction strength, external rotation strength, quadriceps and hamstring strength each had moderate correlations to the triple hop test (r values=0.52, 0.62, 0.46, 0.50, respectively) and the cross-hop test (r values=0.56, 0.65, 0.54, 0.55, respectively). Hop test performance did not strongly correlate with frontal plane projection angle and hip internal rotation. Conclusions: Functional hop tests correlated with strength but had weak to minimal correlation with neuromuscular control. Individuals with neuromuscular deficits may still do well on standard hop tests. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Addition Of A Kinesiologist-guided Functional Exercise To Intradialytic Cycling Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Intradialytic cycling is a widely used workout mode for hemodialysis patients whereas added benefit of other exercise modalities remains unknown. This is the first randomized controlled trial on the effects and sustainability of the functional training and exercise counseling in addition to a standard basic intradialytic cycling exercise program. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to a kinesiologist-guided functional training in addition to intradialytic cycling (n = 20, experimental group) or intradialytic cycling only (n = 20, control group) over 16 weeks. The experimental group attended predialysis guided functional exercise and counseling session in the first 8-week induction phase. In the second 8-week maintenance phase, the experimental group was encouraged to perform functional training at home on non-dialysis days. The main study endpoint was 10-repetition-sit-to-stand test time at 8 weeks. RESULTS: In the 10-repetition-sit-to-stand test at 8 weeks, the experimental group improved significantly better than controls (-4.5±1.9 s, 95% CI -8.4 to -0.7; P=0.021), which was maintained at week 16 (-4.7±2.1 s, 95% CI -9.0 to -0.3; P=0.037). For the secondary endpoints at week 8, the experimental group significantly outperformed controls at handgrip strength for 3.7±1.2 kg (95% CI 1.3 to 6.2; P=0.004), sit-and-reach lower body flexibility test for 5.8±1.4 cm (95% CI 2.9 to 8.6; P<0.001), Stork balance test for 0.7±0.2 s (95% CI 0.4 to 1.1; P<0.001), and back scratch upper body flexibility test for 5.8±1.8 cm (95% CI 2.2 to 9.5; P=0.003). At week 16, superior results of the experimental group in secondary end-points remained preserved for handgrip strength, balance, and back scratch flexibility tests (p<0.05 for all). No major exercise-related adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Functional training with exercise counseling added to basic intradialytic cycling program meaningfully improves physical performance and successfully prepares dialysis patients for sustainable home exercise.