Body Flexibility Research Articles

17 Tailored exercise for survivors with brain tumours: A case series

Purpose: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for the physical and psychological health of cancer survivors, however, little research has been conducted on the effects of exercise in the brain tumour population. Survivors with brain tumours present with unique challenges in terms of mobility and function that may compromise their ability to safety take part in community-based exercise. Methods: Three survivors with primary brain tumours will be profiled in this case series presentation. Participants were screened using a cancer specific intake questionnaire and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, and triaged to supervised clinic-based or community-based exercise. All participants completed the 12-week intervention for the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study. Measurements were taken at baseline, and post-intervention including measures of body composition, aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, balance and flexibility. Self-reported measures included questionnaires to assess impact on physical functioning, symptoms and quality of life, and to evaluate satisfaction with programming. Results: One participant was referred to supervised clinic-based exercise programming due to a high risk of falls, and two participants were deemed safe and approved for community-based supported exercise programming at a preferred location closer to their home. Preliminary results suggest high program satisfaction, maintenance and/or benefit of physical fitness, balance, and symptom control. Conclusions: Further efforts are needed to better tailor programming to the needs of the survivor and consideration given to the advantages of the supervised clinic-based environment when compared to the survivor preference for a “closer to home” community-based setting.

Do disturbance and periphyton productivity affect stream invertebrate traits?

Disturbance in lotic ecosystems strongly influences which animals can survive and how those ecosystems function. Flow disturbances physically remove animals and periphyton, but it is unclear whether physical removal of individuals or the loss of food is the principal driver of effects of flow disturbances on invertebrate communities. Invertebrates possess traits that help them withstand high flows or recolonize rapidly after floods. At light-limited, closed-canopy sites, periphyton biomass should be unaffected by disturbances, so disturbance should affect invertebrate community trait composition by direct removal of animals. At open-canopy sites, disturbance should affect trait composition by both removing individuals and reducing periphyton food resources. We investigated whether a trait-based approach could elucidate drivers of effects of flow disturbance on benthic invertebrate communities and better identify potential mechanistic linkages. We sampled 10 autotrophic streams that differed in substrate-disturbance regime and varied from 100 to 0% canopy cover. We sampled 2 sites per stream, 1 in forest (closed-canopy) and 1 downstream in low-intensity agricultural grassland (open-canopy). Regardless of canopy, in streams with greater substrate disturbance, the proportion of individuals that respired with a plastron increased and proportions of individuals having 2 aquatic life stages or that were filter-feeders decreased. At open-canopy sites, the proportion of collector–gatherers with flattened bodies increased with increased substrate disturbance and decreased periphyton biomass, and the proportion of taxa having high body flexibility and 2 aquatic life stages increased with decreased substrate disturbance and increased periphyton biomass. Trait composition of these mountain stream invertebrate communities is strongly influenced by physical removal via substrate movement and by reduced periphyton resources.

Comparing Positional Differences In Physical and Performance Assessments Among Acrobatics and Tumbling Athletes

Physical and physiological profiles are biomarkers of athlete’s performance level. The fitness profile of positional differences has been described in collegiate football, basketball, and soccer, but not in Acrobatics and Tumbling (A & T). A & T is a new and emerging collegiate sport for competitive female athletes, thus there is not enough physical and performance data. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the anthropometric characteristics and fitness levels of A & T athletes based on the two positions which include tops (T) and bottoms (B). METHODS: Subjects were 21 Fairmont State University female athletes who participated in the sport Acrobatics and Tumbling (20±0.9 years of age). A test of the five-fitness component’s, which included body composition, flexibility, muscular endurance and strength and cardiorespiratory endurance, was given to each participant. RESULTS: The mean value of flexibility (cm ± SD) was significantly higher in tops (T=43.9±2.2, B= 37.5±7.0, p< .05). Body Composition (% ± SD) showed a difference between the groups Body composition showed a significant difference (p<0.05) within the tops and bottoms (T=23.7±2.2, B=26.4±2.2, p< .05). Muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance and vertical jump height do not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The current study describes the important positional differences in body composition and flexibility in collegiate A & T athletes. Coaches can use these physical and physiological profiles to determine which positions that the athletes are suited for.

Multiple Strength Assessments to Evaluate Adaptations to High-Load and Low-Load Blood Flow Restricted Exercise

Differences in muscle strength adaptations between high-load (HL) and low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance training protocols may be due to the type of strength test performed (e.g isotonic, isokinetic and isometric). PURPOSE: To assess differences in isotonic, isometric and isokinetic strength adaptations in older adults following HL and BFR resistance training. METHODS: Thirty-six males and females (mean: 75.6+7.6 years, 1.67+.09 m, 74.3+13.2 kg) classified as being at risk of mobility limitations were randomly assigned to HL (70% 1-RM) or low-load BFR (30% 1-RM coupled with a vascular restriction) exercise for the knee extensors twice per week for 6 weeks. A control group performed light upper body resistance and flexibility training. Knee extension 10-RM to predict 1-RM strength, isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and isokinetic strength at 60[BULLET OPERATOR]s-1, 180[BULLET OPERATOR]s-1, and 300[BULLET OPERATOR]s-1were measured before and after 6-weeks of training. RESULTS: HL and BFR training increased predicted 1-RM strength 34% (P<.001) and 24% (P<.001) respectively, from baseline to 6-weeks of training. HL training produced a 16% increase in MVC (P=.002) while BFR training did not change (P=.91). No interventions, included the control, resulted in changes in isokinetic strength at the various speeds (P>.20). CONCLUSION: Strength improvements from HL resistance training carried over to other strength tests. This favorable adaptation did not occur following BFR exercise which may limit the effectiveness of this training program. Isotonic training does not carry over to isokinetic strength adaptations and therefore may be a drawback when implementing resistance training programs for older adults. Supported by NIH grant 1R15 A6040700-01A1.

Fitness-Related Benefits

PURPOSE: To compare fitness-related benefits between land-based (LAND) versus aqua-based (AQUA) courses. METHODS: Informed consent was received from 154 volunteers (N = 76 LAND; N = 78 AQUA) who were asked to exercise within each respective course 2 days per week, 50-min per day, for 15 weeks. Pre- and post-fitness assessments obtained were body composition, muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA was used to investigate mean differences between pre- and post-fitness assessments and between groups. There was a main effect (p = 0.003) and interaction (p = <0.001) for body composition in which, overall, participants decreased percent body fat, however, paired t-test revealed that LAND (20.4% ± 7.3% to 19.0% ± 7.4%) had a significant reduction in mean percent body fat while AQUA did not (20.1% ± 8.7% to 20.2% ± 8.9%). A main effect for both muscular strength (p = <0.001) and muscular endurance (p = <0.04) was revealed, but no interactions, therefore, both groups improved on aforementioned variables. Lastly, no significant main effect or interaction for neither cardiorespiratory endurance nor flexibility assessments were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals participating in land-based courses displayed greater decreases in percent body fat when compared to aqua-based courses, whereas both land- and aqua-based displayed improvements in muscular strength and muscular endurance. There were no changes in cardiorespiratory endurance and flexibility within both groups.

Performance Factors Related to Throwing Distance in Collegiate Track Athletes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify potential correlations between upper and lower body power, balance, flexibility, and body composition in relation to actual throwing performance in collegiate throwers. METHODS: 12 collegiate throwers (8 male, 4 female; minimum of 4 years of experience) performed a series of functional tests and a competition level throw. Participants performed a brief warm up prior to each test. Upper body power was determined using a seated medicine ball throw (9kg male, 6kg female) performed laying on a bench at a 45° incline. Lower body power and reaction time were measured using a vertical jump mat (Probotics Inc, Hunstville, AL) which provided jump height, ground reaction time, and an overall power factor (OPF). Balance was assessed during single leg trials for each leg on a Biodex balance system (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY). Flexibility was assessed by sit and reach. Body composition was measured by means of air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod; Cosmed USA Inc. Concord, CA). Functional testing results were compared to actual competition throws, which took place at a sanctioned meet within 3 days of testing. Comparisons between functional tests and competition throws were made using Pearson’s R (linear) and Spearman’s Rho (nonlinear) tests to identify correlations. RESULTS: Nonlinear correlations were found between throwing distance and body fat percentage (rho=-0.699; p=0.011), and OPF (rho=0.609; p=0.047). Linear correlations were found between throwing distance and overall lead leg stability (r=0.701; p=0.011), and lead leg medial/lateral stability (r=0.688; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that body fat percentage, lower body power, and lead leg stability are each correlated with throwing distance. Improvements in these areas could lead to improvements in overall throwing distances in collegiate throwers.

A Weekly Structured Physical Activity Program Enhances Short-term Retention Of Middle-aged Adult Fitness Centre Users

Fitness centres can play a key role in addressing physical inactivity, yet several studies reveal low retention rate in fitness centres. Few centres, however, use a structured approach by providing a weekly physical activity (PA) program meeting ACSM guidelines. PURPOSE: To assess attendance and retention rates in inactive middle-aged adults of a fitness centre between a traditional PA plan and a structured PA program meeting ACSM guidelines. METHODOLOGY: Eighty inactive middle-aged adults (44.32 ± 6.99 years; 77.89 ± 19.22 kg; 158.75 ± 36.08 cm) from a Spanish fitness centre voluntarily enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (Free Exercise [FE = 40]; Structured Program [SP = 40]) and proved to be inactive through IPAQ short version. Participants completed baseline measures including body composition, VO2 max, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, flexibility, and muscular strength. During the ensuing 12 weeks, weekly attendance of both the FE and SP groups were tracked, with both groups initially agreeing to exercise 2-3 days per week for at least 20 sessions. FE group was introduced to trainers of the fitness centre and informed of group exercise sessions available. SP group received a structured program based on ACSM guidelines for PA. RESULTS: No baseline differences (p>0.05) existed between groups for age, body composition, VO2 max, haematocrit, flexibility, and muscular strength. A total of 13 participants (16%) never attend the initial assessment, and only 20 members (25%) attended 20 days or more (FE=5 [12.5%]; SP=15 [37.5%]). Members of SP group attended more total days (15.73 ± 8.19) than FE group (7.79 ± 8.62) during the 12 weeks (+7.93 days; p<0.001; ES = 0.945; IC: 3.83 – 12.04). CONCLUSION: Inactive adults receiving a structured PA program attended more days compared to those enjoying ‘free’ exercise, however, overall retention rate was still low for all participants. This pilot data shows the potential benefit of fitness centres providing structured daily programs to enhance retention.

Effects of Personal Training on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Older Adults with DLSD

Exercise treatment is recommended for older patients with lumbar spine diseases that result in degeneration of muscles and the skeletal system and a resultant decline in function. However, it is often difficult for patients to exercise by themselves and assistance from an exercise professional can be valuable to maintain health status and improve quality of life. PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of personalized exercise instruction on changes in body composition, physical fitness and pain management in older adults with degenerative lumbar spinal disorders (DLSD). METHODS: Three individuals (Rangeage=66-78 yrs), who no prior experience with a personal trainer and who reported chronic low back pains for more than 12 weeks, participated in the study. This study was conducted by a researcher and a professional personal trainer who had more than 10 years’ experience in the personal training area. The data was collected by employing a single-subject, ABA repeated measure design. In addition, schematic analysis was utilized to visualize the changes of participants’ body composition, physical strength and rating of perceived pain. A paired t-test using SPSS WIN 20.0 was employed to examine before-and-after differences for key outcome measures. RESULTS: The results showed that muscle mass was increased and body fat mass and central obesity were decreased at the end of phase B, which coincided with the period of supervision by the personal trainer. Additionally, there were statistically significant changes in strength of upper and lower extremity, cardiovascular endurance, upper and lower body flexibility and the rating of perceived pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study resulted in better understanding of the role for individualized instruction by exercise professionals for older adults with degenerative lumbar spinal disorders. Furthermore, the results may have some applicability to the design and implementation of future personal training programs for seniors with similar conditions.

Effects of aquatic exercise on health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities.

The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of aquatic exercise on the health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities. To achieve the aforementioned purpose, the researchers studied 10 children with grade 1 or grade 2 disabilities who do not exercise regularly. The researchers used SPSS 21.0 to calculate the averages and standard deviations of the data and performed a paired t-test to verify the differences in averages before and after an exercise. The study showed significant differences in lean body weight, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The researchers found statistically significant differences in triglyceride as well as in immunoglobulin G. The findings suggest that aquatic exercise affects the health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities.

Effect of exercise on pain and functional capacity in breast cancer patients

PurposeTo assess the influence of combined training on pain, fatigue, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), body mass index (BMI), flexibility, and strength in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA controlled pilot study with 28 patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical observation in a renowned cancer treatment center; the patients were aged from 30 to 59 years old and were not engaged in physical training for three months previously. The Study Group (SG) underwent 12 weeks of training, including three 60-min sessions of aerobic exercise and resistance training, and two sessions of flexibility training per week; each flexibility exercise lasted 20 s and was performed in sets of three repetitions. The Control Group (CG) received only the standard hospital treatment. Participants were evaluated at the beginning of the study to establish a baseline and reevaluated at the end of 12 weeks.ResultsPatients in the SG showed a significant decrease in total pain points (p = 0.0047), pain intensity (p = 0.0082), and the extent to which pain interfered with their daily life (p = 0.0047). There was an increase in maximum oxygen uptake (p = 0.0001), flexibility (p = 0.0001), and strength on both sides (right p = 0.0001 and left p = 0.0008). No significant differences were observed in fatigue (p = 0.0953) or BMI (p = 0.6088).ConclusionCombined training was effective in decreasing pain and increasing VO2 max, flexibility and static strength in patients with breast cancer.Trial registrationNCT03061773. Registered on February 19, 2017, ‘retrospectively registered’.

NÍVEIS DE APTIDÃO FÍSICA RELACIONADA À SAÚDE DE ESCOLARES DA ZONA URBANA E RURAL DE SANTA CRUZ DO SUL – RS: estudo comparativo

Justificativa e objetivo: O presente estudo comparativo objetiva verificar se existem diferenças nos níveis de flexibilidade, resistência abdominal e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (APCR) de escolares da zona urbana e rural de Santa Cruz do Sul-RS. Métodos: A amostra é composta por 230 crianças e adolescentes, sendo 107 do sexo masculino, com idades entre 7 a 17 anos. Para avaliação do teste de flexibilidade, foi utilizado o banco de Wells. O nível de resistência abdominal foi avaliado através do número máximo de repetições em um minuto. Para avaliação de APCR, foi aplicado o teste de corrida/caminhada de 6 minutos. Resultados: Entre os meninos, resultados mais satisfatórios foram encontrados na escola municipal da zona rural, em comparação à escola estadual urbana, apresentando maiores níveis de flexibilidade (23,1 cm versus 18,7 cm; p=0,029) e de APCR (1534,9 m versus 1275,6 m; p=0,013) e IMC inferior (18,6 kg/m² versus 21,3 kg/m²; p=0,027). As meninas da escola municipal rural apresentaram melhores níveis de APCR em comparação às meninas da escola municipal urbana (1197,3 m versus 1084,1 m; p=0,006). Conclusões: Meninos da escola municipal rural apresentam melhores níveis de índice de massa corporal, flexibilidade e aptidão cardiorrespiratória, em comparação aos escolares da escola estadual urbana. As meninas da escola municipal rural apresentaram melhores níveis de aptidão cardiorrespiratória quando comparadas às alunas da escola municipal urbana.

Association of Multiple Short Exercise Bouts and Health Benefits in Sedentary Office Workers

Recent studies strongly suggest that increased sitting time is an independent risk factor contributing to increased incidence of heart disease and various negative health outcomes, including diabetes and some cancer. For many adults, sedentary behavior is particularly widespread at the workplace in the US. American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults exercise for 150 minutes at a moderate‐intensity per week and exercise (i.e., walking or running) continue at least 10 minutes at a time. However, office workers are difficult to leave their workplace during the workday to do exercise. Also, little is known about the effects of short‐time (5 minutes per hour) aerobic and stretching exercises at the workplace on heart function and physical fitness. Thus, better understanding the effects of short‐time aerobic and stretching exercises in sedentary office workers may lead to new strategies to prevent or treat sedentary‐induced high risks of heart and metabolic diseases.PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of short‐time aerobic and stretching exercises in sedentary office workers to improve cardiovascular endurance, cardiac function and body composition.MethodsTwelve sedentary office workers (BMI≤30, exercise≤30 minutes per week for ≥6 months) were recruited (35.8±8.8 yrs, n=12). Each participant completed 8 weeks of self‐exercise training at their worksite. Exercise training included cardio (5 minutes/session, 6 sessions/day) and stretching (10 minutes/session, twice/day) exercises regimen for 8 weeks. Pre and post‐testing evaluations included anthropometric measures (height and weight), blood lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (% body fat), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and cardiac output at 50% of a subject's VO2max, muscle strength test (hand grip strength and quadriceps muscle strength), and YMCA flexibility test. A paired t‐test was used to compare differences in variables between pre‐ and post tests.ResultsThere were significant differences in BMI (p=0.009), body weight (p=0.002), VO2max (p&lt;0.001), cardiac output (p=0.027), %body fat (p=0.002), flexibility (p&lt;0.001), HDL (p=0.024), total cholesterol (p=0.007), and quadriceps muscle strength (p&lt;0.001). However, there were no differences in upper body muscle strength, total triglyceride, and VLDL.ConclusionsEight weeks of aerobic and flexibility exercise at their workplace may be beneficial to improve cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and flexibility in sedentary office workers. These findings may support that 5‐minute aerobic exercise several times per day can contribute to further health improvements, especially for those who cannot find 30 minutes and longer time for exercise at their workplace. Overall, our study may indicate short bouts of exercise during the work hours can be helpful for those sedentary adults having difficulty in self‐motivating themselves to exercise.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The cardiovascular risk factors and health-related physical fitness of employees at General Directorate of Youth and Sport of Mazandaran Province in Iran

The evidence shows that the sedentary life increases the risk of coronary heart disease and decreases physical fitness. However, this study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors and health-related physical fitness of employees at General Directorate of Youth and Sport of Mazandaran Province in Iran. For this purpose, using random sampling method, 40 employees (age mean= 35.54 ± 7.63 years old, body mass index= 22.61 ± 9.70 kg/m2) at General Directorate of Youth and Sport of Mazandaran were selected as sample. Then, after collecting necessary data by questionnaire, the health-related physical fitness was measured in terms of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, body fat percentage, strength, and flexibility. Also, the sphygmomanometer was used to measure heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Finally, 5 ml blood was taken from subjects to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). The findings showed that there was no significant difference between TC, TG, LDL, HDL, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of employees at General Directorate of Youth and Sport of Mazandaran and desirable situation. However, there was significant difference between health-related physical fitness of employees and desirable situation (P &amp;lt; 0.05). It was concluded that due to undesirable situation of physical fitness of employees, it is necessary to take measures to emphasize regular exercise programs and promote their fitness and health.

The effects of a structured group exercise programme on functional fitness of older persons living in old-age homes

ABSTRACTDespite the benefits of exercise, a large percentage of the older population in South Africa continue to lead sedentary lifestyles. This study aimed to determine the effects of a structured group exercise programme on functional fitness of older persons living in old-age homes. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the effects of a 12-week group exercise programme. Twenty participants each were selected from five old-age homes. Participants were randomly allocated into either an experimental group or a comparison group at each site. The experimental group participated in the exercise intervention three times weekly, while the comparison group received the same intervention twice weekly for 12 weeks. The intervention programme included warm-up, balance, endurance, resistance and cool-down components. Assessments of upper and lower body strength and flexibility, aerobic endurance, agility and balance were conducted before and after the intervention programme using the Senior Functional Test. Comparisons of baseline and post-intervention measures showed greater improvements in upper and lower body strength and flexibility, as well as aerobic endurance capacity (p &lt; 0.05). Training frequency revealed no significant difference in functional fitness measures between both groups following the 12-week intervention programme. Twelve weeks of multifaceted group exercise training, at least twice a week, can be used as an effective strategy to promote functional fitness in this population.

A Long Limb Prediction, Body Mass Index, Flexibility and Speed to Long Jump Style Squatting

This study aims to determine the relationship and how much the prediction of long jump squat style achievement in terms of limb length, body mass index, body fleksibility and running speed. The objective of this research is that trained students of state senior high school in Pekalongan Regency, with a total sample of 60 students. The independent variables in this research is limb lenght, body mass index, body flexibility, and running speed whereas dependent variable was long jump with squat style achievement. This study uses multivariat correlational method. The results showed that the length of the legs, body and togok flexibility has a positive relationship, whereas the body mass index and running speed has a negative relationship with the long jump squat style achievement. Prediction value at limb length was 0.027, body mass index was -0.049, body flexibility was 0.026 and running speed was -0.234. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship and can be predicted between limb length, body mass index, body flexibility and running speed against long jump squat style achievement.

PREDICTION OF PHYSICAL VARIABLE TO SQUAT LONG JUMP ACHIEVEMENT (A MULTIVARIATE CORRELATIONAL STUDY ON TRAINED STUDENTS OF A STATE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN PEKALONGAN REGENCY)

Achievement of squat long jump needs to be supported with several components that are divided into anthropometric elements and physical abilities. This study aims to determine the relationship and the extent to which squat long jump achievement can predict limb length, body mass index, body flexibility, and running speed. The subjects of this research were trained students of state senior high schools in Pekalongan Regency, with a total sample of 60 students. The independent variables in this research included limb length, body mass index, body flexibility, and running speed, whereas the dependent variables consisted of long jump and squat style achievement. The data were obtained through the test and measurement of each variable. This study used multivariate correlational method. Data were analyzed with normality test, linearity test, simple and multiple regression analysis, and hypotheses were tested with t-test and F-test. The results showed that limb length, body mass index, and flexibility had a positive relationship, whereas body mass index and running speed had a negative relationship with the squat long jump achievement. The prediction value of limb length was 0.027, body mass index -0.049, body flexibility 0.026, and running speed -0.234. The conclusion of this study is that there was a significant relationship among the variables, and limb length, body mass index, body flexibility and running speed can be predicted based on squat long jump achievement.

Analysis of Flexible Car Body of Straddle Monorail Vehicle

Based on the finite element model of straddle monorail vehicle, a rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model considering vehicle body’s flexibility is established. The influence of vertical stiffness and vertical damping of the running wheel on the modal parameters of the car body is analyzed. The effect of flexible car body on modal parameters and vehicle ride quality is also studied. The results show that when the vertical stiffness of running wheel is less than 1 MN / m, the car body bounce and pitch frequency increase with the increasing of the vertical stiffness of the running wheel, when the running wheel vertical stiffness is 1MN / m or more, car body bounce and pitch frequency remained unchanged; When the vertical stiffness of the running wheel is below 1.8 MN / m, the vehicle body bounce and pitch damping ratio increase with the increasing of the vertical stiffness of the running wheel; When the running wheel vertical stiffness is 1.8MN / m or more, the car body bounce and pitch damping ratio remained unchanged; The running wheel vertical damping on the car body bounce and pitch frequency has no effect; Car body bounce and pitch damping ratio increase with the increasing of the vertical damping of the running wheel. The flexibility of the car body has no effect on the modal parameters of the car, which will improve the vehicle ride quality index.

Aggregation of risk indicators to cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health in Brazilian adolescents in the periods 2008/09 and 2013/14

ObjectiveTo assess the occurrence of an aggregate risk to cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health of Brazilian adolescents in the period 2008/09 and 2013/14 and to identify whether there are differences in risk between the genders and in these periods. MethodsThis was a trend epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, consisting of a voluntary sample of adolescents from 16 Brazilian states. Data were extracted from the database of Brazil Sports Project (Projeto Esporte Brasil). Health‐related physical fitness was evaluated based on body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and abdominal strength/resistance. Descriptive analysis, chi‐squared test, and Poisson log regression were used for the statistical treatment. ResultsIn the years 2008/09, 14.6% of Brazilian youngsters showed an aggregate risk to cardiometabolic health and 17.1% an aggregate risk for musculoskeletal indicators, whereas in 2013/14, the values of the risk indicators were, respectively 40.0% and 22.4%. It was observed that, in the years 2013/14, the risk to the cardiometabolic health of boys was 2.51 times greater than in 2008/09, while for girls, a three‐fold increase in risk was observed. Concerning musculoskeletal health, girls showed a 2.21 risk of being in the risk zone in 2013/14 when compared with 2008/09. ConclusionThe occurrence of an aggregate risk to the cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health of Brazilian adolescents increased in the 2008/09 and 2013/14 periods. Regarding gender, an increase in the cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal risk between these periods was observed in girls. As for boys, an increase was observed only in cardiometabolic risk.

The Effects of Thai Yoga on Physical Fitness: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

Thai yoga is a traditional Thai exercise used for improving health-related physical fitness. Many studies have evaluated these effects, but their results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness of Thai yoga on physical fitness. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Thai Library Integrated System (ThaiLis), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), National Rehabilitation Information Center (Rehabdata), Scopus, Web of Science, Thai University library databases/journals, and Thai Physical Therapy database up to March 2016 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of Thai yoga exercise compared with normal daily activities as controls, in any language. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were performed using the random-effects model. Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Thai yoga training significantly improved body flexibility by 3.9 cm after 4 weeks [95% CI = 3.9-4.0; p < 0.001: no heterogeneity χ2 = 0.66, d.f.2, p = 0.7; I2 0.00%] and 8.9 cm after 8 weeks [95% CI = 7.4-10.5; p < 0.001: no heterogeneity χ2 = 0.16, d.f.2, p = 0.9; I2 0.00%] compared to controls. It also significantly increased range of motion (ROM) of right shoulder extension by 1.5 degrees at week 8, compared to controls [95% CI = 0.12-2.81; p = 0.03; low heterogeneity χ2 = 1.61, d.f.1, p = 0.2; I2 37.9%]. Greater ROM for right shoulder abduction was observed after 12 weeks compared to controls [22.2 degrees (95% CI = 20-24; p < 0.001): no heterogeneity χ2 = 0.29, d.f.1, p = 0.6; I2 0.00%]. Thai yoga exercises appeared useful, in particular, on body and right shoulder joint flexibility. Regular stretching exercise of Thai yoga and/or in combination with exercises could promote health-related physical fitness.

8주간의 태극권 운동프로그램이 여자대학생의 심폐기능과 신체구성 및 유연성에 미치는 영향

8주간의 태극권 운동프로그램이 여자대학생의 심폐기능과 신체구성 및 유연성에 미치는 영향