Exercise Control Group Research Articles

The Effect of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methyl Butyrate in Response to Exercise and High-Fat Diet on Body Weight, Body Composition and Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Male Wistar Rats

Purpose: To examine the effect of HMB on body weight and body composition and characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Methods: Newly weaned Wistar rats (n=36) received a regular diet for 4 weeks. Thereafter, rats were allocated to three groups (n=12/group). All groups received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Group one received HMB (320mg/kg BW /d) and an exercise regimen; group two received HMB with no exercise and group three received a placebo with no exercise (control group). Bodyweight (BW), body composition, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, pulse rate, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood glucose (BG) response to a glucose load were measured. Results: BW and food intake were not affected by either HMB supplement or exercise. Body fat was lower in HMB and HMB + exercise compared with the control group at week 12. The glucose response to glucose preload was lower in HMB and HMB + exercise groups compared with control at week 12. No effect of either HMB or exercise on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study support the beneficial effects of HMB supplements on body composition and glucose metabolism. However, the HMB supplement did not have any additional effect when combined with an exercise regimen.

Effects of virtual Reality-Based Training and aerobic training on gaming disorder, physical activity, physical fitness, and anxiety: A randomized, controlled trial

Background and aimThe effects of physical activity and exercise on gaming disorder severity in individuals with gaming disorder are unknown. The present study aimed to address the empirical gap in the current literature by comparing the effects of virtual reality-based training (VRT) and aerobic training (AT) exercise programs on gaming disorder severity, physical activity, physical fitness, and anxiety versus control group. Materials and methodsForty-four young male adults (18–28 years) with gaming disorder and a sedentary lifestyle were included in the study. The primary outcomes of the study were changes in gaming disorder severity and physical activity, and secondary outcomes included changes in physical fitness and anxiety levels. The participants were randomly assigned to VRT (n = 15), AT (n = 14) and control (n = 15) groups. Training sessions were performed at 50–70% of the maximal heart rate. Exercise programs consisted of 6 weeks of training 3 times a week for 30 min. ResultsThere was a decrease in the severity of gaming disorder as well as an increase in the level of physical activity in the VRT and AT exercise groups compared to the control group. In addition, a reduction was observed in the gaming time and sedentary time in both exercise groups versus control group. VRT group experienced greater improvements in physical fitness parameters than the AT group. ConclusionVRT and AT were effective in reducing gaming time and the severity of gaming disorder in individuals with gaming disorder. The therapeutic effects of VRT and AT can be used for reducing the severity of gaming disorder.

A randomised controlled trial investigating the ability for supervised exercise to reduce treatment-related decline in adolescent and young adult cancer patients.

IntroductionExercise is recognised as integral in mitigating a myriad negative consequences of cancer treatment. However, its benefit within adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer cohorts remains relatively under researched, and caution should be taken in extrapolating outcomes from adult and paediatric populations given AYA distinctly different physiological and psychosocial contexts. This study sought to evaluate the impact of an exercise intervention on mitigating the expected decline in fitness, strength, physical functioning, and quality of life (QOL) in AYA undergoing cancer treatment.MethodsThis prospective, randomised controlled trial (FiGHTINGF!T) allocated 43 participants (63% male, mean age 21.1 years) to a 10-week, multimodal, bi-weekly exercise intervention (EG) or control group (CG) undergoing usual care. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise tests, one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, functional tests, and QOL patient-reported outcome measures. Data were analysed via linear mixed models and regression.ResultsWhile no significant group differences (p > 0.05) were observed, neither group significantly declined (p > 0.05) in any outcome measure over the 10-week period. No significant (p˃0.05) strength or functional improvements were observed in the CG, though the EG demonstrated significant improvements in their 1RM leg press (p = 0.004) and chest press (p = 0.032), maximal push ups (p = 0.032), and global QOL (p = 0.011). The EG reported a significant increase in fatigue (p = 0.014), while the CG reported significant positive changes in anxiety measures (p = 0.005).ConclusionThe exercise intervention produced superior improvements in strength and global QOL, compared with the CG. Regardless of group allocation, enrolment in the exercise study appeared to mitigate the treatment-related decline expected in AYA undergoing cancer treatment.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07217-w.

Effects of different types of exercise on contractile properties and expressions of MuRF1, PGC-1α /FNDC5 in soleus muscle of unloaded rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of aerobic versus resistance exercise on soleus muscle contractile properties and the expressions of MuRF1, PGC-1α and FNDC5 in amyotrophic rats after unloading, and the possible molecular biological mechanisms. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into recovery group (CT), aerobic exercise group (A), resistance exercise group (R) and control group (C), with 6 rats in each group. The control group did not receive any treatment. The other three groups underwent tail suspension for 2 weeks, and then the recovery group recovered quietly. The aerobic group and the resistance group underwent a 2-week exercise intervention. Exercise plan: the aerobic group rats were treated with treadmill speed corresponding to 65% maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min/d, 5 d/w; the rats in the resistance group were allowed to climb the ladder with 65% of the maximum voluntary weight-bearing (MVCC) for 3 times, with a total of 5 sets. Each time had a rest of 1 min, with an interval of 2 min among sets, and 5 d/w. Fasting for 24 hours after the last exercise, the soleus muscle samples were collected to observe the histological changes, test the contractility, and detect MuRF1 and PGC-1α and FNDC5 expressions. Results: compared with the control group, the body weight, soleus muscle wet weight, average cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and muscle contractility of the recovery group were decreased significantly(P<0.01), and the expression of MuRF1 was increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with the recovery group, the body weight, wet weight of soleus muscle, the average cross-sectional area of muscle fiber and muscle contractility of rats in aerobic group and resistance group were increased (P<0.01), the expression of PGC-1α/FNDC5 was increased (P<0.01) and the expression of MuRF1 was decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the aerobic group, the expression of PGC-1α in soleus muscle of rats in the resistance group was increased (P<0.05), while the expression of MuRF1 was decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic and resistance exercise can significantly improve muscle contractility, upregulate the expression of PGC-1α/FNDC5, and inhibit the expression of MuRF1, indicating that the molecular mechanisms of aerobic and resistance exercise to improve unloaded muscular atrophy may be related to PGC-1α and MuRF1.

Effect of Different Exercise Training Modalities on Fasting Levels of Oxylipins and Endocannabinoids in Middle-Aged Sedentary Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training programs on fasting plasma levels of oxylipins, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and eCBs-like molecules in middle-aged sedentary adults. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted using a parallel group design. Sixty-five middle-aged adults (40-65years old) were randomly assigned to: (a)no exercise (control group), (b)concurrent training based on international physical activity recommendations (PAR group), (c)high-intensity interval training (HIIT group), and (d)HIIT together with whole-body electromyostimulation (HIIT + EMS group). Plasma levels of oxylipins, eCBs, and eCBs-like molecules were determined in plasma samples before and after the intervention using targeted lipidomics. Body composition was assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire and three nonconsecutive 24-hr recalls. The physical activity recommendations, HIIT, and HIIT-EMS groups showed decreased plasma levels of omega-6 and omega-3-derived oxylipins, and eCBs and eCBs-like molecules after 12weeks (all Δ ≤ -0.12; all p < .05). Importantly, after Bonferroni post hoc corrections, the differences in plasma levels of omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins were not statistically significant compared with the control group (all p > .05). However, after post hoc corrections, plasma levels of anandamide and oleoylethanolamide were increased in the physical activity recommendations group compared with the control group (anandamide: Δ = 0.05 vs. -0.09; oleoylethanolamide: Δ = -0.12 vs. 0.013, all p ≤ .049). In conclusion, this study reports that a 12-week exercise training intervention, independent of the modality applied, does not modify fasting plasma levels of omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins, eCBs, and eCBs-like molecules in middle-aged sedentary adults.

Impact of exercise training on myocardial contractile functions assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance in post-myocardial infarction patients

BackgroundImprovement of functional capacity and mortality reduction in post-MI patients were found to be associated with regular exercise training. The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the most accurate non-invasive modality in quantitative assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and systolic functions. Our main objective was to investigate the impact of exercise training on LV systolic functions in patients post anterior MI using CMR. 32 patients on recommended medical treatment 4 week after having a successful primary PCI for an anterior MI were recruited, between May 2018 and May 2019. They were divided into two groups, training group (TG): 16 assigned to a 12 week exercise training program and control group (CG): 16 who received medical treatment without participating in the exercise training program. Treadmill exercise using modified Bruce protocol was done to TG before and after the training program in order to record the resting and maximum HR, metabolic equivalent (MET), and calculate HR reserve. CMR was performed for all patients 4 weeks after PCI and was repeated after completion of the study period to calculate ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and wall motion score index (WMSI).Results100% were males. 6 patients from CG dropped during follow-up, no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Using the CMR, the TG showed significant improvement in EF (36.6 ± 14.2% to 43.1 ± 12.4%; P < 0.001) and WMSI (2.03 ± 0.57 to 1.7 ± 0.49; P < 0.001), without statistically significant change in LV volumes. Regarding CG no significant changes in EF, WMSI, LV volumes were found. There was significant improvement in EF and WMSI change before and after study in TG vs. CG [6.5 (2.3–9.0) vs. − 2.0 (− 6.8 to 1.3), P value < 0.001] and [− 0.3 (− 0.5 to 0.1) vs. 0.1 (− 0.1 to − 0.5), P value 0.001] respectively.Conclusions12 weeks of exercise training program in post-MI patients have a favorable impact on LV global and regional systolic functions without adversely affecting LV remodeling (as assessed by CMR).

The Effectiveness of Calistenic Exercise Training in Adolescents Receiving Online Education During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was observed that the level of physical activity decreased with social isolation. Our aim in this study was to examine the effectiveness of calisthenic exercise training on physical activity, quality of life, sleep, anxiety and depression levels in adolescents. Methods: Thirty-eight adolescent students who had been studying full-time online education during the pandemic were randomized into two groups; calisthenic exercise group (n=19, mean age= 12,84±0,37, BMI= 21,23± 3,66) and control group (n=19, mean age=13,05±0,84,BMI=21,27±2,27). Calisthenic exercise group received calisthenic exercise training for 8 weeks through the videoconferans and control group didnt receive any exercise treatment. The levels of physical activity were measured by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Quality of life was assessed using Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (PedsQL-SF). The Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS) and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS) were used to determine the level of anxiety. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in physical activity levels (IPAQ p=0.049), anxiety depression (BAS and RADS P=0.007), quality of life (PedsQL-SFp= 0.012) and sleep (PSQI p= 0.045) in the exercise group (p&amp;lt;0.05). No significant improvement was observed in any measurement parameters in the control group (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions: The results of this sudy suggest that calisthenic exercise training at home is effective in physical activity, quality of life, sleep, anxiety and depression levels in adolescents despite social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A randomized controlled study of the effect of functional exercises on postural kyphosis: Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises versus postural corrective exercises

Purpose To compare the effects of postural corrective and Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises on thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), balance and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with postural kyphosis. Methods This was a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 63 subjects (57 women, 6 men) with TKA of 40°. Subjects were separated into three groups: postural corrective exercise group (PCEG), Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise group (SBEG) and control group (CG). Participants in the exercise groups participated in the exercise program twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist: CG performed no exercise but was generally informed. The primary outcome variable was TKA. Secondary outcome variables were LLA, balance and QoL. Results After the functional exercise programs, TKA (mean change for PCEG, SBEG: −9.71, −14.76, p < 0.001), static postural stability index overall (−0.22, −0.40, p < 0.05), and QoL (−0.41, −0.37, p < 0.001) significantly improved in both training groups compared with CG. The LLA (−3.95, p = 0.003) was significantly lower in the SBEG group than in CG. Conclusion This study demonstrated that Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises are an effective treatment for individuals with postural kyphosis and have a large effect size that improves TKA, LLA, balance and QoL. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03706495 Implications for rehabilitation Eight weeks of postural corrective or Schroth-based three-dimensional functional exercise programs are effective in addressing thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), balance, and quality of life in individuals with postural kyphosis. An eight-week Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise program was more effective than postural corrective exercises in improving TKA, lumbar lordosis angle, and balance for patients with postural kyphosis. Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise programs could promote balance and spinal health in young adults with thoracic kyphosis.

Does 12-Week Aerobics Training Influence Body Composition in Middle-Aged Women?

Abstract Introduction. It is very important to determine body composition, as it plays a significant role in the formation of many vital functions of the human. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of 12-week aerobics training on body composition in middle-aged women. Material and methods. Thirteen women aged 35-50 who did not practice any sport actively took part in 12-week aerobics training. Body weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Body composition parameters: total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW), fat mass (FM), free fat mass (FFM) muscle mass (MM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were measured using BIA method. Results. The 12-week aerobics training elicited increases in ICW, FFM, MM, and BMR and a decrease in hip circumference. Twelve weeks without exercise (control group, n = 10) caused an increase in body mass, BMI and hip circumference. No statistically significant changes were recorded in body composition parameters in the control group. Conclusions. The lack of any physical activity shows that the maintenance of that status can cause overweight followed by obesity.

Effect of exercises on the maturation of newly created arteriovenous fistulas over distal and proximal upper limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate the effect of pre-operative arm exercise on patients' superficial vein caliber of patients. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible articles. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. In the Meta-analysis, Risk ratios (RRs) of clinical maturation and ultrasonographic maturation were pooled from studies focused on post-operative exercise program; Mean difference (MD) of venous caliver was pooled from those studied pre-operative exercise. Nine studies (six for post-operative exercise; three for pre-operative exercise) were included in the review. Among the AVFs created in distal region (158 patients in exercise group and 144 patients in control group), there was a significantly superior clinical maturation (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48, p = 0.001; I2 = 0), and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59, p = 0.009; I2 = 0) in the exercise group in comparison to the control group. For the AVFs created in proximal region (93 and 96 patients in exercise group and control group respectively), there is no significant difference in clinical maturation (RR:1.25, 95% CI: 0.88-1.78, p = 0.27, I2 = 74%) and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.97-1.40, p = 0.11, I2 = 43%) between the exercise group and controls. For pre-operative exercise, the mean difference of 0.34 mm (95% CI: 0.23-0.46, p < 0.001, I2 = 87% ) was found for vein size. In conclusion, existing upper extremity exercise programs appear to be useful in facilitating maturation of AVFs created in distal region, while its effect on fistulas created in proximal region is less certain. However, more robust trials are warranted to establish these findings.

Effectiveness of Yoga on the Interrectus Distance in Early Postpartum Women: A High-Frequency Ultrasound Study.

To investigate the effects of ultrasonic evaluation of a progressive yoga exercise program on reducing the inter-recti distance (IRD) among women in the early postpartum period. Postpartum women (n = 116), free of obstetric complications and in recovery following vaginal delivery between weeks 1 and 12, were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and yoga exercise group in the pre- and post-intervention design. The control group received no treatment, while the yoga exercise group participated in a guided 12-week progressive yoga exercise program started at postpartum week 1. The IRD was examined using high-frequency ultrasound at postpartum weeks 6 and 12. The results showed that the supraumbilical, umbilical, and subumbilical IRD were significantly decreased in the yoga exercise group after the 12-week progressive yoga exercise intervention compared with the first (week 6) and second (week 12) measurements. The differences in IRD at supraumbilical, umbilical, and subumbilical intervals between weeks 6 and 12 significantly increased in the yoga exercise group. Progressive yoga exercises are effective program that reduce IRD among women in the early postpartum period through ultrasound evaluation. In conclusion, women should advocate combined yoga exercise in the early postpartum days following a supervised program.

School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

1) To investigate the effectiveness of school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions in promoting health outcomes of children and adolescents compared with either a control group or other exercise modality; and 2) to explore the intervention characteristics and process outcomes of published school-based HIIT interventions. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception until 31 March 2021. Studies were eligible if 1) participants aged 5-17 years old; 2) a HIIT intervention within a school setting ≥ 2 weeks duration; 3) a control or comparative exercise group; 4) health-related, cognitive, physical activity, nutrition, or program evaluation outcomes; and 5) original research published in English. We conducted meta-analyses between HIIT and control groups for all outcomes with ≥ 4 studies and meta-regressions for all outcomes with ≥ 10 studies. We narratively synthesised results between HIIT and comparative exercise groups. Fifty-four papers met eligibility criteria, encompassing 42 unique studies (35 randomised controlled trials; 36 with a high risk of bias). Meta-analyses indicated significant improvements in waist circumference (mean difference (MD) = -2.5cm), body fat percentage (MD = -1.7%), body mass index (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -1.0), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = +1.0), resting heart rate (MD = -5bpm), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (MD = -0.7), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD = -0.9) for HIIT compared to the control group. Our narrative synthesis indicated mixed findings between HIIT and other comparative exercise groups. School-based HIIT is effective for improving several health outcomes. Future research should address the paucity of information on physical activity and nutrition outcomes and focus on the integration and long-term effectiveness of HIIT interventions within school settings. PROSPERO CRD42018117567.

The role of physical exercise in apoptosis in an experimental cerebral ischemia model

IntroductionStroke is a major public health problem, with high mortality rates and high levels of disability. Between 1990 and 2010 for example, stroke increased from the fifth to the third leading cause of disability. In addition, its incidence has increased among younger people, a situation in which there are significant health consequences and elevated social costs. There is evidence that physical exercise promotes neuroprotective effects when used as a therapeutic treatment in an experimental ischemia model. However, the mechanisms of neuroprotection are still not well understood.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of the microRNAs miR‐21, miR‐16, miR‐155 and caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 genes by real‐time PCR in brain tissue (ischemic focus) of the animals after the performance of physical training before focal cerebral ischemia.Materials and Methods48 Wistar rats were used. The animals were divided into four experimental groups: control group, ischemia group, exercise group and exercise + ischemia group. The real‐time PCR methodology was used to analyze the expression of miRNAs; miR16, miR‐21, miR‐155, caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2.Results and conclusionsIn our study, we did not observe statistically significant differences in the expression of miRNAs: miR‐16, miR‐21, miR‐155 or in the Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 genes in brain tissue in the groups undergoing cerebral ischemia and exercise when compared to the control group.

Structured, Progressive Exercise Training Improves Cardiovascular Psychophysiological Outcomes in Young Adult Women with a History of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent psychosocial stressors that occur during critical developmental periods and are associated in a dose‐dependent manner with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in emerging adults, including greater age‐related increases in blood pressure (BP) and increased circulating endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), a psychosocial stress‐responsive, endothelium‐derived peptide and potent vasoconstrictor. ACEs have also been linked to lower resilience and hope, which is a motivational state based on goal‐directed energy (agency) and goal planning (pathways). Importantly, resilience and hope are each stable psychological traits that may protect against adversity. We examined the effects of a structured, progressive exercise training program on hope agency, hope pathways, resilience, BP, and circulating ET‐1 in young adult women with a history of moderate‐to‐severe (e.g., 4 or more) adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We hypothesized that exercise training would increase resilience and hope, but lower systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and circulating ET‐1. We further hypothesized that changes in hope and resilience would be associated with changes in BP and ET‐1 across the intervention period in the young women with ACEs. Forty‐two otherwise healthy young adult women with either four or more (ACE+) or with no ACEs (ACE–) were recruited and completed this study. Participants with ACEs (ACE+) were randomly assigned to either an exercise (n=14) or non‐exercise (n=14) control group, whereas women without a history of ACEs (ACE–) were assigned to a non‐exercise control (e.g., negative control group; n=14). Statistical analyses included two‐way mixed (group x time) effects and bivariate correlational analyses. Changes are reported as means ± SE. Agency did not change in any group (p = 0.14), but pathways improved only in the ACE+ exercise group (+1.6 ± 0.74 au; p = 0.03). ET‐1 decreased in the ACE+ exercise group only (‐0.31 ± 0.29 pg/ml, p= 0.04). While the interactions for resilience and SBP did not reach significance (p = 0.06 and 0.05, respectively), forced post‐hoc analyses indicated that resilience improved (+4.9 ± 1.9 au, p = 0.01) and SBP tended to improve (‐4.0 ± 2.0 mmHg; p = 0.05) in the ACE+ exercise group only. DBP did not change in any group (p = 0.43). There were significant inverse associations between changes in pathways and SBP (ρ = ‐0.43, p= 0.02) and pathways and ET‐1 (ρ = ‐0.56, p= 0.003), and a significant direct association between changes in SBP and ET‐1 (ρ = 0.49; p = 0.01) in the ACE+ young women. Associations among resilience and BP and ET‐1 were weaker and non‐significant (ρ = ‐0.17–0.29, p≥ 0.13). Our results suggest that structured, progressive exercise training promotes improvements in positive psychological factors, SBP, and circulating ET‐1 levels in young adults with a history of ACEs. Further, changes in pathways were related to changes in SBP and ET‐1 across the intervention period, suggesting a potential psychophysiological relationship between positive psychological traits and cardiovascular risk factors in young women with ACEs.

Masseter Muscle Thickness And Elasticity in Bruxism After Exercise Treatment: A Comparison Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Rocabado's 6 × 6 exercises on masseter muscle thickness, muscle elasticity, and pain scores in patients with bruxism. MethodsA total of 58 participants with bruxism were divided into 2 groups as the exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). A self-care program was applied for the participants in the CG. For those in the EG, in addition to the self-care program, an exercise treatment was performed for 6 days per week for a total of 8 weeks. Using ultrasonography, bilateral masseter muscle thickness and elasticity were assessed before and after treatment. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale. Changes over time within the groups and group–time interactions for continuous variables were assessed using mixed 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. ResultsThe improvement in muscle elasticity (P = .015; P = .004) and pain values (P = .049; P = .040) were greater in the EG compared with the CG. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for masseter muscle thickness (P > .05). ConclusionThis study suggests that Rocabado's 6 × 6 exercises are effective in the treatment of muscle elasticity and pain values in participants with bruxism.

The Effect of a Resistance Training, Detraining and Retraining Cycle on Postural Stability and Estimated Fall Risk in Institutionalized Older Persons: A 40-Week Intervention.

Physical inactivity and low levels of muscle strength can lead to the early development of sarcopenia and dynapenia, which may increase the number and risk of falls in the elderly population. Meanwhile, exercise programs can stop or even revert the loss of muscle mass, strength, power, and functional capacity and consequently decrease the risk of falls in older adults. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of strengthening programs in octogenarians. The present study investigates the effects of 40 weeks of a training-detraining-retraining cycle of muscle strength exercise program on postural stability and estimated fall risk in octogenarians. Twenty-seven institutionalized participants were allocated into two groups: the muscular strength exercise group (MSEG, n = 14) and control group (CG, n = 13). After the first training period, the MSEG improved postural stability and decreased the estimated fall risk by 7.9% compared to baseline. In comparison, CG worsened their stability and increased their risk of falling by more than 17%. No significant changes were found between groups in the detraining and the retraining period. This study demonstrated that strength exercise effectively improved postural control and reduced fall risk scores. In addition, the interventions were able to reduce the forward speed of postural control deterioration in octogenarians, with great increments in the first months of exercise.

Oral exercises significantly improve oral functions in people with mild and moderate dementia: A randomised controlled study.

There have been no standard protocols of oral exercises for maintaining and improving oral function for people with dementia. This study aimed to determine the effects of home-based oral exercises on the oral function of people with mild to moderate dementia. Twenty-two participants at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n=11) or control group (n=11). The exercise group was instructed to do three home-based oral exercises, consisting of tongue-strengthening, oral diadochokinesis (ODK) and mouth-opening exercises, for 3months, while the control group received advice on oral health care. The maximum tongue pressure (MTP) was the primary outcome. MTP, ODK rates of /pa/, /ta/, /ka/, modified water swallowing test (MWST) and oral moisture were measured at baseline, and after 1, 2 and 3months of training. The generalised estimating equation analysis was used to evaluate the effects of oral exercises on the oral function. The MTP and all ODK rates in the exercise group were significantly increased after 3months of training. There were significant interaction effects between time and intervention in MTP and all ODK rates. No significant interaction effects between time and intervention in oral moisture were found. The MWST scores in both groups did not change through the end of study, and no adverse effects were reported. Home-based oral exercises were found to be effective for improving tongue strength and tongue-lip motor function in people with mild to moderate dementia.

Effect of Exercise Combined with Natural Stimulation on Korean College Students' Concentration and Positive Psychological Capital: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term exercise, within the natural environment or by applying similar visual stimulation, on concentration and positive psychological capital among Korean college students. Participants were 175 male college students—selected by non-probabilistic sampling—from the Korean National Police University in Asan-si, Republic of Korea, in March 2021. Participants were divided into three condition groups: the natural environmental exposure with outdoor exercise (n = 57), visual stimulation with indoor exercise (n = 58), and indoor exercise (control group; n = 60). The variables measured were concentration and positive psychological capital. Pre- and post-exercise data differences were analyzed using two-way (3 × 2) analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis, and statistical significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed a significant main effect on concentration, with lower scores post-intervention indicating positive changes in all three groups. In addition, the scores for positive psychological capital sub-factors (self-efficacy, optimism, and hope), in the groups with the natural environmental exposure with outdoor exercise and visual stimulation with indoor exercise conditions, reflected higher positive change than the indoor exercise group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Bonferroni post hoc test on this interaction effect revealed that the participant scores for the natural environmental exposure with outdoor exercise and visual stimulation with indoor exercise groups were positive after the exercise (p < 0.05). However, there was no interaction effect for the ego-resilience subscale (p > 0.05). Therefore, participating in short-term exercise while being exposed to a natural environment with healing characteristics or providing visual stimulation of a similar natural environment was found to positively impact the Korean college students’ concentration and positive psychological capital’s self-efficacy, optimism, and hope. Moreover, this particular intervention only affects subjective measures of well-being while not particularly influencing objective measures, such as cognitive functioning. We recommend implementing similar visual stimulation with indoor exercise for the current generation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does exercise influence burn-induced inflammation: A cross-over randomised controlled feasibility trial.

BackgroundBurn injuries trigger a greater and more persistent inflammatory response than other trauma cases. Exercise has been shown to positively influence inflammation in healthy and diseased populations, however little is known about the latent effect of exercise on chronic inflammation in burn injured patients. The aims of the pilot study were to assess the feasibility of implementing a long duration exercise training program, in burn injured individuals including learnings associated with conducting a clinical trial in COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFifteen participants with a burn injury between 5–20% total body surface area acquired greater than a year ago were randomised in a within-subject designed study, into one of two conditions, exercise–control or control–exercise. The exercise condition consisted of six weeks of resistance and cardiovascular exercises, completed remotely or supervised in a hospital gym. A comprehensive outcome measurement was completed at the initial, mid and end point of each exercise and control condition. To determine the success of implementation, the feasibility indicator for the data completeness across the comprehensive outcome battery was set at 80%.ResultsHalf (49%) of eligible participants in the timeframe, were recruited and commenced the study. Six participants withdrew prior to completion and a total of 15 participants completed the study. Eight participants were randomised to the exercise-control and seven to the control exercise group. Five participants trained remotely and seven did supervised training. Three participants completed a mix of both supervised and remote training initiated due to COVID restrictions. Outcome measures were completed on 97% of protocolised occasions and 100% of participants completed the exercise training.ConclusionsConducting a long duration exercise training study on burn injured individuals is feasible using the described methods. The knowledge gained helps improve the methodology in larger-scale projects. Insights into the impact of COVID-19 on this clinical trial and success enhancing adaptations for the researcher, research practice and the participant, are presented.

Enhancing Strength, Leg Muscle Explosive Power, and Muscle Hypertrophy Using Hurdle-Box Jump Plyometric

The study purpose was to examine and analyze the effect of developing a hurdle-box jump plyometric model on muscle strength, explosive power, and hypertrophy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. This research was an experimental study with a two group pretest-posttest design. The sample in this study was male sub-elite athletes from various sports aged 15-17 years who were selected at random sampling totaling 22 athletes, divided into 2 (two) groups, the treatment group using plyometric hurdle-box jump development (n = 11) and the control group using plyometric barrier hops (n = 11). &#x0D; Results. The results showed that: (1) there was a significant effect of plyometric hurdle-box jump exercise on strength, leg muscle explosive power, and muscle hypertrophy, (2) there was a significant effect of plyometric barrier hops exercise (control group) on strength, leg muscles explosive power, and muscle hypertrophy, and (3) there was a significant difference between plyometric hurdle-box jump exercises and plyometric barrier hops exercises (control group) on strength, leg muscle explosive power, and muscle hypertrophy.&#x0D; Conclusions. The percentage increase in pretest and posttest scores on strength, leg muscle explosive power, and muscle hypertrophy showed that the hurdle-box jump plyometric exercise group was better than the control group (barrier hops).