Effects Of Exercise Program Research Articles

Point/Counterpoint

Point/Counterpoint

Validity of a pictorial Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale for monitoring exercise intensity in young adults with Down syndrome

Current studies have indicated that people with Down syndrome (DS) have higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than their typical peers. The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease is associated with their inactivity. However, it is a challenge to conduct effective exercise programmes because of their poor central executive processing and atypical cerebral specialization which causes a verbal-motor disadvantage. Heart rate (HR) is an index to estimate exercise intensity and Rated of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale has been found to have a high correlation between RPE and HR in typical and special populations. Thus, there is a need to develop an effective RPE scale to monitor exercise performance in people with DS in order to improve their health. This study recruited 19 participants with DS and required them to perform a progressive walking protocol on the treadmill for 24 minutes. A pictorial RPE scale was conducted during the duration of walking. Results indicated significant positive relations between HR and RPE in thirteen participants. Even though the results were variable (R2: 0·01–0·93), it revealed that persons with DS were able to perceive and report a subjective estimation of physical exertion, which was reflective of the change in HR. Thus, this modified RPE scale could be applied in training and educational settings to monitor exercise intensity in this population.

Selective Activation of the Infraspinatus Muscle

To improve selective infraspinatus muscle strength and endurance, researchers have recommended selective shoulder external-rotation exercise during rehabilitation or athletic conditioning programs. Although selective strengthening of the infraspinatus muscle is recommended for therapy and training, limited information is available to help clinicians design a selective strengthening program. To determine the most effective of 4 shoulder external-rotation exercises for selectively stimulating infraspinatus muscle activity while minimizing the use of the middle trapezius and posterior deltoid muscles. Cross-sectional study. University research laboratory. A total of 30 healthy participants (24 men, 6 women; age = 22.6 ± 1.7 years, height = 176.2 ± 4.5 cm, mass = 65.6 ± 7.4 kg) from a university population. The participants were instructed to perform 4 exercises: (1) prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (PER), (2) side-lying wiper exercise (SWE), (3) side-lying external rotation (SER), and (4) standing external-rotation exercise (STER). Surface electromyography signals were recorded from the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, and posterior deltoid muscles. Differences among the exercise positions were tested using a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustment. The infraspinatus muscle activity was greater in the SWE (55.98% ± 18.79%) than in the PER (46.14% ± 15.65%), SER (43.38% ± 22.26%), and STER (26.11% ± 15.00%) (F3,87 = 19.97, P < .001). Furthermore, the SWE elicited the least amount of activity in the middle trapezius muscle (F3,87 = 20.15, P < .001). Posterior deltoid muscle activity was similar in the SWE and SER but less than that measured in the PER and STER (F3,87 = 25.10, P < .001). The SWE was superior to the PER, SER, and STER in maximizing infraspinatus activity with the least amount of middle trapezius and posterior deltoid activity. These findings may help clinicians design effective exercise programs.

Exercício físico e obesidade mórbida: uma revisão sistemática

Physical exercise is an important component for the treatment of obesity. Little information is available about the best and safety form of physical exercise concerning the type and volume-intensity to be prescribed for individuals with morbid obesity. To investigate the effect of physical exercise programs in medical and surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Was used the systematic search model by databases of the Virtual Health Library in "Science in General Health" (Medline, Lilacs and Ibecs) and PubMed using the following headings: morbid obesity, severe obesity, grade 3 obesity, exercise and physical activity. Were selected papers that used physical exercise programs as an intervention in the treatment for morbid obese patients and those who were in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Were selected 13 articles. Eight were conducted with individuals in clinical treatment, one in patients awaiting bariatric surgery and four in the postoperative period. It was observed that all selected studies used aerobic activities and six also included strength exercises on their programs. Aerobic and strength exercises programs proved being important components in the treatment of morbid obesity. Special care when establishing the volume-intensity exercise is required for adherence to treatment, and a proposal for a valid individualized exercise programs.

Health-related quality of life and physical functioning in people living with HIV/AIDS: a case-control design.

BackgroundHealth-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and functional exercise capacity are important area of therapeutic interventions needed to improve the general health of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). However, the relationship between self-report and Performance-based Measure of Functional Capacity (PMFC) of PLWH is still obscure. This study compared the HRQoL and PMFC between a homogenous sample of clinical stage I PLWH and apparently healthy controls.MethodsThis case–control study involved 74 consenting participants (37 PLWH and 37 controls) who completed the self-report SF-12 questionnaire and PMFC assessment using Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). PMFC was expressed in terms of Six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), Six-Minute Walk Work (6MWW) and Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and inferential statistics of independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s product moment correlation. Alpha level was set at 0.05.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the SF-12 Physical-health Component Score (PCS) of PLWH and the controls (p = 0.782). However, the SF-12 Mental-health Component Score (MCS) of PLWH was higher than that of controls (p = 0.040). 6MWD, 6MWW and VO2max were significantly lower for PLWH (p < 0.05). Among PLWH, there was no significant gender differences in the PMFC (p > 0.05) while PCS was higher among females. There was no significant correlation between PMFC variables and each of PCS and MCS for PLWH and controls (p > 0.05) respectively.ConclusionSelf-report physical health of clinical stage 1 PLWH and controls was comparable, while self-report mental health capacity was higher in PLWH than the controls. PMFC of PLWH was significantly lower compared to healthy controls without gender bias. Overall, self-report and performance-based measure of physical functional capacity of PLWH was not inter-related. Therefore understanding the factors that may influence exercise capacity of PLWH may help to develop effective exercise programmes for PLWH.

The Relationship between Walking exercise and Quality of Life for Korean Adults

The study is to observe a degree of relation between quality of life and a degree of walking exercise for adult residents of cities of Korea. From data of the 4th round 3rd-year Korea National Health and Examination Survey, 7,851 in which 3,892 were male residents and 3,959 females, were selected as subjects, excluding 723 who didn't answer at least more than one question for 5th degree of EQ-5D and physical activities. As a result, quality of life showed statistically significant relation among gender, education level, spouses, average monthly income, stress, a number of chronic diseases, health recognition and whether walking exercise undertaken. Especially one who carried out walking exercise showed higher quality of life than one who did not. This showed more significant difference of quality of life between whether the exercise was undertaken and whether it is intensified or intermediate. Therefore, in accordance with results of this study, it is necessary to develop an effective exercise program that is designed to let residents to exercise in a regular basis and to guarantee a sustainable support from government.

Orthopaedic co‐morbidities in the elderly haemophilia population: a review

Due to improvements in the treatment and medical care of haemophilia, the life expectancy of individuals with haemophilia has approached that of the general population. To review the main co-morbidities of the musculoskeletal system in elderly persons with haemophilia, we have performed a review of the literature on the musculoskeletal problems of elderly haemophiliacs. Chronic arthropathy is the main co-morbidity in the ageing person with haemophilia. Age-related orthopaedic co-morbidities include degenerative joint changes, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy or sarcopenia, muscle weakness and disturbance of gait and balance. Increased pain, muscle weakness and atrophy along with an increased risk of falling are key features of advanced haemophilic arthropathy and ageing. An ageing haemophilia population in which arthropathy continues to be the primary co-morbidity is a current challenge for those responsible for their care. Exercise programmes undertaken two to three times per week for at least 12weeks seem most effective in reducing the impact of age-related changes on the musculoskeletal system. Establishing effective exercise programmes and strategies to identify individuals who would benefit from early surgical intervention together with presurgical physiotherapy prehabilitation is a priority for future research.

Meta-analysis of the effect of exercise programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical exercise programs on individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). This meta-analysis analyzed 67 effect sizes and 14 studies and calculated the standardized mean difference in effect size. The unit of analysis for overall effects was the study, and the sub-group analysis focused on effect size using a random effects model. The effect size of exercise programs was positive with a 0.41 standard deviation. The professional/scholastic measure was the most effective program, whereas the biometric and body composition effects were trivial. This study showed that short-duration exercise programs were more effective than those of longer duration, and an exercise program that runs 4 times per week had a better effect than one that runs 3 times per week. The most effective length of session for exercise was 31-60 min, and exercise was more effective for older people than for younger people. Amidst a growing variety of studies of physical exercise programs for individuals with ID, this meta-analysis indicated the present status and future direction of studies on physical exercise programs for individuals with ID. The limitations and implications for practice and theory were discussed.

Su2071 Unraveling the Pathophysiology of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Introduction: The aging, regarded as dynamic and progressive phenomenon, have been increasingly observed in the world population (Martins et al., 2009). It is essential for any health care, which is identified indications of obesity and visceral adiposity levels (France et al., 2008), providing guidelines to help prevent and alleviate this situation, therefore preventing future illnesses that can lead to death. Objective: Investigate the effect of physical exercise program on height (H), weight (W), fat mass (FM), visceral fat area (VFA), and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) of post-menopausal women. Methods: One hundred sixty-nine women (56.80±6.47 years,) were randomized into an exercise group (EG, n=91) and the control group (CG, n=78). The EG performed 60 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week (step, weight training and flexibility).Were evaluated, by using octopolar bioimpedance, before and after a 12-month period heigth (H), weight (W), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), visceral fat area (VFA) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated (SMI= SM/W ×100) and the food record method was used. The variable averages (absolute values and rates of change) were compared by using t-tests and the degree of statistical significance considered was 1%. Results: The EG revealed a significant increase on height, evolving the average 155.61 cm in the pre-test to 156.20 in post-test. The percentage of obese women on EG, in the post-test, was reduced by 1.1% in fat mass, being 80 women (87.9%) remained with values of AAV≥ 100 cm2. The CG increased (p <0.01) total fat (1.86% FM) and central (3.92 cm2), raising the percentage of obese women in the post-test at 6.4%. The reduction in CG (SMMI) was -1.06 (p <0.01), with the number of women with sarcopenia almost doubled (from 10.3% in the pre-test to 19.2% in the posttest). Conclusion: The exercise of strength, endurance and flexibility suggests an improvement in posture, reduces global and central obesity, preventing sarcopenia increased, reducing the risk of falls, implying possible benefits for the quality to the life of this population. Mean and standart deviation of variables in both groups and differences between them

EXERCISE AND ARTHRITIS

In Brief LEARNING OBJECTIVE This article provides an overview of the key factors necessary to understand why and how exercise should be an integral part of the treatment plan for individuals with arthritis. After reading this article, the fitness professional will be able to design a safe and effective exercise program for clients. Arthritis is a major health problem in the United States and is the leading cause of disability among Americans over the age of 15. This article provides an overview of the key factors necessary to understand why and how exercise should be an integral part of the treatment program for an individual with arthritis and provides exercise prescription guidelines for the fitness professional.

Feasibility and Validity of a Graded One-Legged Cycle Exercise Test to Determine Peak Aerobic Capacity in Older People With a Lower-Limb Amputation

Information concerning exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity is imperative for generating effective and safe exercise programs. However, for older people with a lower-limb amputation, a standard exercise test is not available. The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether a graded 1-legged peak exercise test is feasible and provides a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis. This was a quasi-experimental case-control study. A total of 36 older people with a lower-limb prosthesis and 21 people who were able-bodied (controls) (overall mean age=61.7 years, SD=6.1) performed a discontinuous graded 1-legged exercise test. The peak respiratory exchange ratio was used as an indicator of maximal effort. The controls performed an additional 2-legged exercise test to provide insight into differences between the testing modes. All participants were able to perform the exercise test. Electrocardiographic tracings and blood pressure were adequately monitored. The controls and the people with a lower-limb amputation were able to stress the cardiovascular system to a similar extent. Analyses of construct validity revealed that the peak aerobic capacity measured with the 1-legged exercise test was able to distinguish between participants on the basis of age, body mass index, and sex to a similar extent as the conventional 2-legged exercise test. The results can be generalized only to people who are able to ambulate with their prosthesis. The graded 1-legged exercise test was feasible and provided a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.

The effects of a 24 Weeks of combined exercise programs have on physical configuration, blood components and physical strength for normal and geriatric diseased senior citizens residing in the country side.

Abstract This thesis is to research the before and after changes of physical configurations, blood components and physical strength for normal and geriatric diseased senior citizens at the end of 24 week of combined exercises constructed of aerobic and muscular strength training to create most suitable and effective complex exercise program for geriatric diseased patients. For this experiment 20 normal and 20 geriatric diseased patients in the age of 65 residing in K city were selected to carry out the 24 weeks of combined exercises in regularly. The result of the research showed that geriatric patients increased significantly in everything, but normal group showed significant change in only WHR. There was a slight improvement in the blood components for the average participants but it only differed slightly from the diseased participants so there were no major changes reflecting the outcomes from both before and after. After concluding the program both groups displayed positive improvements in stamina but no significant alterations in physical strength., agility, muscle endurance and balance. The positive factors for each groups could be that the norms were able to maintain their health and enhancement in stamina and diseased were able to prevent their condition from worsening. Additionally, over 50 percent of all senior citizens have one or more geriatric diseases but the participation of any physical activity is in the decrease. Henceforth, this is a field that still needs a lot of work and combined exercise programs should be created and followed through so it may enhance in the improvement of health and quality of life as well.

Development of a fall prevention protocol for replication in a virtual environment

Several effective fall prevention exercise programs address the problem of falls. The primary challenge is not to develop effective programs, but to find ways to motivate older people to begin and maintain these programs while delivering these programs to as many older adults as possible. This short-term pilot study collected preliminary data on the design and testing of a balance rehabilitation protocol that could be replicated in a virtual gaming environment like the Wii Fit. The protocol, based on evidence- based practice, focused on strength, endurance, and functional reach. Eight older adults participated in twelve one hour sessions with an occupational therapist and exercise professional. Outcome measures included the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Life Space Questionnaire, and postural sway. Results suggest that the protocol was effective in improving postural sway (as measured by a force plate), reducing fear of falling, and increasing perceived life space.

Effective Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: The Right Exercise at the Right Dose

The prescription of an effective therapeutic exercise program requires the right dosage of the right exercise, at the right time for that patient. The therapist must understand and apply training principles effectively in the presence of pathology, injury, or otherwise unhealthy tissue. The intervention goal is to close the gap between current performance and the desired goal or capacity. Although there may be a preferred linear path from current performance to optimal outcome, complexities of the human body, internal factors, and external variables may create barriers to this direct path. Successful programs include key program design considerations such as ensuring a stable baseline before progression, treating the right impairments and activity limitations, understanding contextual factors, considering the principles of specificity and optimal loading, and applying dosing principles. Program progression can be achieved through increases in total exercise volume and/or through manipulation of exercise challenges at the same exercise volume. Effective application of these principles will guide patients toward their goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Factors That Affect Decisions About Physical Activity and Exercise in Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Exercise has many benefits for survivors of breast cancer, yet only half of this population regularly exercise. Fear has been identified as a barrier to exercise for people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions but has been minimally explored in women with breast cancer. The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate factors that affected decisions about physical activity and exercise in survivors of breast cancer and (2) to determine whether fear was a factor. This investigation was a grounded-theory qualitative study. Qualitative data were triangulated with data from 2 quantitative scales that measured participants' beliefs about exercise and their activity levels. Thirty-four survivors of breast cancer in 8 focus groups participated in semistructured interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Concept maps created for each group were merged to develop themes. Beliefs about physical activity and exercise were assessed with the Decisional Balance Scale. The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity was used to assess behaviors regarding physical activity and exercise before and after the breast cancer diagnosis. Participants generally believed that exercise was beneficial (Decisional Balance Scale score: X=28.1 [of a maximum score of 44], SD=7.6, range=10-43). Participants decreased the amount of physical activity or exercise during treatment but increased the amount of exercise beyond prediagnosis levels after treatment (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity score: median=6, range=2-7). Three prominent themes described participants' behaviors regarding physical activity or exercise: values and beliefs about exercise, facilitators and barriers that were both similar to those affecting the general population and cancer specific, and lack of or inaccurate information about safe exercise. Survivors who were active were not afraid to exercise. However, concern about lymphedema and knowledge about safe and effective exercise programs influenced choices regarding physical activity and exercise.

A Preliminary Exploration of the Effects of a 6-week Interactive Video Dance Exercise Program in an Adult Population

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week interactive video dance game (IVDG) program on adult participants' cardiorespiratory status and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-seven healthy adult participants attended IVDG sessions over a 6-week period. Participants completed pre- and post-testing consisting of a submaximal VO(2) treadmill test, assessment of resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP), BMI, and general health questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptives, paired t-tests to assess pre-to post-testing differences, and one-way ANOVAs to analyze variables among select groups of participants. Questionnaire data was manually coded and assessed. Twenty participants attended at least 75% of available sessions and were used in data analysis. Mean BMI decreased significantly (from 26.96 kg/m(2) to 26.21 kg/m(2); 2.87%) and cardiorespiratory fitness measured by peak VO(2) increased significantly (from 20.63 ml/kg/min to 21.69 ml/kg/min; 5.14%). Most participants reported that the IVDG program was a good workout, and that they were encouraged to continue or start an exercise routine. Forty percent reported improvements in sleep, and nearly half stated they had or were considering purchasing a home version of a video dance game. Interactive video dance game is an effective and enjoyable exercise program for adults who wish to decrease their BMI and improve components of cardiorespiratory fitness.

High-intensity aerobic training improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to compare the effect of physical exercise program on the endothelial function of patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsPatients were randomized for high intensity aerobic training (HI: 80% maximum heart rate, n=10), low intensity aerobic training (LI: 55% of maximum heart rate, n=10) and control (n=11). Before and after 6 weeks of training, subjects performed the maximal exercise test and a study of the endothelial function, through a high resolution ultrasound of the brachial artery, which was assessed after reactive hyperemia (endothelium dependent vasodilation) and nitrate administration (endothelium independent vasodilation). ResultsA total of 31 patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus were studied, with mean age of 58±6 years, The percentage diameter difference of the vessel after hyperemia was significantly higher for the high intensity group (HI before 2.52±2.85% and after 31.81±12.21%; LI before 3.23±3.52% and after 20.61±7.76%; controls before 3.56±2.33% and after 2.43±2.14%; p<0.05). ConclusionsHigh intensity aerobic training improved the functional capability and endothelium dependent vasodilator response, but it does not improve the endothelium independent vasodilation in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

An Effective Exercise Program For Developing Genetic Risk Predictions Of Fitness Response Among Multi-ethnic Employees

The potential value of exercise has been demonstrated in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Although some studies have examined the modifying effects of genetics on exercise response in clinical patient populations, little is known about the relationship between genetics and physical activity among multi-ethnic sedentary individuals. PURPOSE: The Genetics, Exercise, And Research (GEAR) study was designed to train sedentary employees to engage in regular exercise according to ACSM guidelines and to identify the genomic factors that influence their response. METHODS: A multi-ethnic cohort of 311 sedentary employees (77% female), age 18 to 65 years, underwent 12 weeks of combined aerobic/resistance training, 3 days/week, for 45 to 60 minutes at 60% to 80% of their age/gender predicted maximum heart rate capacity. Baseline and post-training measures of adiposity, heart rate, Vo2max, blood pressure, lipid/inflammatory markers were collected. Blood samples for gene expression were also obtained. RESULTS: In total, 47% (n=146) of participants completed the study. Prevalence of overweight/obesity among baseline samples was 46.39% in non-Hispanic whites, 53.29% in Hispanic whites, and 50.20% in African-Americans. On average, reductions in % change for SBP/DBP (%Δ = -0.06 to -0.09, p=1×10-5), resting HR (%Δ= -0.07, p=1×10-6), weight (%Δ= -0.01, p=0.008) and increases in Vo2max (%Δ= 0.06, p=0.009) were identified among females. Results were less significant for men (SBP %Δ=-0.05, p=0.04; DBP %Δ=0.03, p=0.26; resting HR %Δ =-0.04, p=0.08; weight %Δ=-0.01, p=0.07; Vo2max %Δ=0.06, p=0.01). Glucose (%Δ=-2.64, p=0.009) and cholesterol (%Δ= -1.94, p=0.06) also decreased in both groups. Within each gender/ethnic group, we observed variation in fitness response after accounting for exercise adherance. Gene expression analyses are being performed on 120 sex, age, ethnicity-matched responders/nonresponders to identify fitness-response genes in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The GEAR study represents an effective approach for training multi-ethnic sedentary employees to engage in regular exercise and results in overall improvements in fitness. However, observed variation in exercise response within this cohort suggests that genetic factors may modify the effectiveness of such an exercise intervention.

Biomechanical Characteristics of the Modified Downward Facing Dog Yoga Pose in Healthy Older Adults

Increasingly, yoga is being promoted as a safe and effective exercise program for older adults. The Downward Facing Dog (DFD) is one of the most common yoga poses, classically practiced with the hands placed on the floor. However, for older practitioners, the pose is often modified (mDFD) by having the hands placed on a wall or the back of a chair in order to make it more accessible, and potentially safer; this study focused on the wall method. In view of the absence of published data on the biomechanical profile of the mDFD, it is important to characterize these variables to help determine the physical demands of this yoga pose. This will lead to the development of balanced, safe and effective yoga programs for older adults. PURPOSE: To determine the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the mDFD pose in healthy older adults. METHODS: 24 subjects (70.8 yrs ±4.2) performed the mDFD under a qualified yoga instructor's guidance. Sagittal plane kinetic and kinematic data were obtained in the position of maximal forward bending, using instrumented force platforms and an 11-camera motion capture system (60 Hz). Net joint moments were derived through standard inverse dynamic calculations. Flexion angles and flexor moments are reported as positive. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, mean dominant limb joint angles were: ankle= 12.6 ±6.4°, knee= 26.2 ±13.5°, hip= 83.1 ±17.6°, shoulder= 118.8 ±13.6°, elbow= 48.8 ±15.6°, and wrist= -15.5 ±12.3°. The angle of trunk relative to pelvis was -9.0 ±11.3°, and head relative to trunk was 17.4 ±12.6°. Mean internal moments of the dominant leg in the sagittal plane were: ankle= -0.32 ±0.13N.m/kg (plantar-flexor), knee= 0.02 ±0.19 N.m/kg, and hip= -0.48 ±0.20 N.m/kg. The moment at the trunk was -43.90 ±17.24 N.m/kg. CONCLUSION: The largest joint excursion occurs at the shoulder. This is an important consideration for older adults with reduced shoulder range of motion. The biomechanical demands of the mDFD were primarily on the trunk extensors, hip extensors, knee flexors and ankle plantar-flexors. The plantar-flexor and extensor moments at the ankle and hip are the major contributors to the support moment. These data may be used to inform selection and modification of the mDFD pose to suit older adults with different musculoskeletal constraints and pathologies. Supported by NIH Grant ROI -AT004869-01

Noni-based nutritional supplementation and exercise interventions influence body composition

Background:The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the Unites States has reached unprecedented levels, and so has the need for effective exercise and nutritional programs for prevention of unhealthy weight gain or safe weight loss.Aims:The present study was conducted in overweight men and women to assess the impact of noni-based nutritional supplementation and exercise interventions on body composition.Materials and Methods:Twenty two participants (16 women and 6 men), ages 18-65, were enrolled in a 12-week, open-label trial of a weight-loss program involving noni-based dietary supplements, gender-specific daily calorie restriction, and exercise interventions. Weight, percent body fat, and body mass index were measured before and after the trial.Results:All participants experienced weight loss. The average decrease in fat mass was highly significant (P < 0.0001), as were decreases in percent body fat and body mass index. Individual weight and fat mass losses were 17.55 ± 9.73 and 21.78 ± 8.34 lbs., respectively, and individual percent body fat and body mass index decreases were 8.91 ± 3.58 % and 2.6 ± 1.32, respectively.Conclusion:The nutritional and exercise interventions significantly influenced body composition among participants.