End Of Exercise Program Research Articles

The effect of combined balance and strength exercise program in patients with different grades of primary knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease that affects all parts of the joint including the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Biomechanical changes that occur in KOA cause aggravation of symptoms with further joint damage. Thus, modifying the biomechanics of the knee joint may help in the prevention and treatment of KOA. For that reason, our aim was to assess the effect of combined balance and strengthening exercise programs in patients with different grades of primary KOA.ResultsAll studied groups showed comparable significant improvement in quadricep muscle strength, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (< 0.001), time-up and go score (< 0.001), 6-m walk time (< 0.001), and dynamic balance (< 0.001) at the end of exercise program. Furthermore, patients with mild-moderate KOA showed a significant improvement in pain, physical function, total WOMAC scores, and dynamic balance compared to those with more severe KOA.ConclusionCombined balance and strengthening exercise programs may help improve pain, physical function, and dynamic balance in patients with KOA regardless of its severity. However, following exercise patients with milder forms of KOA may show greater improvement compared to patients with severe KOA.

Regular Exercise May Restore Certain Age-Related Alterations of Adaptive Immunity and Rebalance Immune Regulation.

Age-related changes of the immune system lead to an increased morbidity and mortality due to enhanced vulnerability to infectious diseases and malignancies. Recent studies revealed the important effects of physical activity on immune functions, which may largely depend on the type of exercise, its intensity and duration. However, limited information is available regarding the immunological effects of sport activities in older ages. The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after regular workout among healthy elderly individuals. We enrolled 29 elderly women with sedentary lifestyle (mean age: 67.03 ± 3.74 years) to take part in a 6-week long functional conditioning gymnastic exercise program. The percentages of peripheral natural killer (NK), NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes (early-/late-activated T, naïve and memory T, cytotoxic T (Tc), T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, T regulatory type 1 (Tr1), CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg, as well as naïve and memory B cells) were determined by flow cytometry. Evaluation of the changes in functional capability of Treg cells was based on in vitro functional assays. At the end of exercise program, in parallel with improvements in body composition and physical performance, significant changes in naïve and memory lymphocyte ratios were observed. Importantly, levels of naïve Tc cells elevated, ratios of effector memory Tc cells decreased and distribution of memory B cells rearranged as well. Additionally, proportions of late-activated HLA-DR+ T cells increased, while percentages of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 producing Tr1 cells, as well as immunosuppressive CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg cells decreased following the exercise workout. Changes observed after the regular exercise program indicate an improvement in the age-related redistribution of certain naïve and memory cell proportions and a retuned immune regulation in older ages.

Investigation on the Immunological Effects of Regular Physical Activity

Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages. &#x0D; The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.&#x0D; Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.&#x0D; Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.&#x0D; Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.

Combined resistance and aerobic exercise intervention improves fitness, insulin resistance and quality of life in survivors of childhood haemopoietic stem cell transplantation with total body irradiation

To investigate the effects of a supervised combined resistance and aerobic training programme on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, insulin resistance and quality of life (QoL) in survivors of childhood haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with total body irradiation (TBI). HSCT/TBI survivors (n=20; 8 females). Mean (range) for age at study and time since HSCT/TBI was 16.7 (10.9-24.5) and 8.4 (2.3-16.0) years, respectively. After a 6-month run-in, participants undertook supervised 45- to 60-minute resistance and aerobic training twice weekly for 6 months, with a 6-month follow-up. The following assessments were made at 0, 6 (start of exercise programme), 12 (end of exercise programme) and 18 months: Body composition via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cardiorespiratory fitness (treadmill-based peak rate of oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) test), QoL questionnaires (36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life Instrument (MMQL). Results expressed as mean (standard deviation) or geometric mean (range). There were significant improvements in VO2 peak (35.7 (8.9) vs 41.7 (16.1) mL/min/kg, P=0.05), fasted plasma insulin (16.56 (1.48-72.8) vs 12.62 (1.04-54.97) mIU/L, P=0.03) and HOMA-IR (3.65 (0.30-17.26) vs 2.72 (0.22-12.89), P=0.02) after the exercise intervention. There were also significant improvements in the SF-36 QoL general health domain (69.7 (14.3) vs 72.7 (16.0), P=0.001) and the MMQL school domain (69.1 (25.2) vs (79.3 (21.6), P=0.03) during the exercise intervention. No significant changes were observed in percentage body fat, fat mass or lean mass. The supervised 6-month combined resistance and aerobic exercise programme significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness, insulin resistance and QoL in childhood HSCT/TBI survivors, with no change in body composition, suggesting a metabolic training effect on muscle. These data support a role for targeted physical rehabilitation services in this group at high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The Impact of 12-Week Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics Programme on the Dynamic Agility in Single-Dual-Task Conditions in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Progressive degenerative changes in the body of elderly people lead to a decrease in physical and mental fitness. Seniors have a problem with performing tasks that involve both physical and mental health at the same time. The risk of falls increases, the consequences of which in old age may be particularly dangerous. It was decided to investigate the impact of performing exercises involving both physical and mental spheres on the dynamic agility in older women. Methods 73 women (69.9 ± 3.2) were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 34) and control (CG, n = 39). Individuals with IG participated in the Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics exercise programme for 12 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes each. Dynamic agility was determined by the Timed Up and Go test, which was conducted both in single-task (TUG_ST) and dual-task (TUG_DT) conditions, where the participant was simultaneously counting down from 60 every 3. The percentage difference between the results of both tests (dual-task cost, DTC) was also determined. Both groups had two measurement sessions: one week before the start of the exercise programme and one week after the end of exercise programme. Results After 12 weeks of exercise, IG participants obtained significantly better results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p = 0.003) tests. During this time, CG participants had significantly worse results in TUG_DT (p < 0.001) and DTC (p < 0.001) tests. In the TUG_ST test, neither IG nor CG achieved a significant change in the result. In each test, a significant interaction between the group assignment and the measurement session was observed: TUG_ST: F = 11.523, η2P = 0.139, p = 0.001; TUG_DT: F = 60.227, η2P = 0.458, p < 0.001; DTC: F = 32.382, η2P = 0.313, p < 0.001. Conclusion JDE exercises with a frequency of twice a week, for about 12 weeks, have a significant impact on the improvement of the dynamic agility control in women over 65 years of age.

Investigation on the Immunological Effects of Regular Physical Activity

Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages. &#x0D; The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.&#x0D; Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.&#x0D; Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.&#x0D; Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.

Investigation on the Immunological Effects of Regular Physical Activity

Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages. &#x0D; The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.&#x0D; Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.&#x0D; Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.&#x0D; Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.

Investigation on the Immunological Effects of Regular Physical Activity

Introduction: Effects of physical activity on immune functions may largely depend on the type of activity, its intensity and duration. However, little information is available regarding the immunological effects of sporting activities in older ages. &#x0D; The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after a period of regular workout among healthy women of different ages.&#x0D; Methods: In our study, we enrolled 16 elderly women (between ages of 60-75 years) formerly not engaged in regular physical activity, who took part in lightweight conditioning gymnastic exercise program. Eight young athletes and 26 young adults with sedentary lifestyle served as controls. The percentages of peripheral NK, NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes were determined by flow cytometry based on the staining of extracellular markers and intracellular cytokines.&#x0D; Results: Lymphocyte subgroups did not differ between the groups of young athletes and young adults with sedentary lifestyle. However, in elderly women, levels of NKT cells were lower, while ratios of T helper / T cytotoxic cells were higher compared to younger individuals. At the end of exercise program, in elderly women, percentages of naive B cells decreased, while levels of switched-memory B cells increased. Furthermore, proportions of Th2 cells increased, while levels of immunosuppressive CD4+CD127-CD25bright Treg cells decreased as the result of regular exercise.&#x0D; Conclusion: Differences observed after lightweight exercise programs reflect a presumably enhanced immunoreactivity and increased ability for immune responses in older ages.

The effect of a 12-week home-based walking program on reducing fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundFatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients during treatment and can last long after completing treatment. Fatigue in cancer patients who have completed treatment is well known to be reduced by exercise, but the effect of exercise on reducing fatigue in patients under treatment has been inconsistent. ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were to examine short-term and long-term effects of an individually tailored, home-based brisk walking program on reducing fatigue in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy. Design, setting, participantsFor this randomized controlled trial, women were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan if they were diagnosed with stages I-III breast cancer and experienced insomnia, fatigue, pain, or depressive symptoms after their first cycle of chemotherapy. Consenting participants (N = 159) were randomly assigned to either an exercise (12-week home-based walking program) group (n = 81) or an attention-control group (n = 78). MethodsThe 12-week, home-based brisk walking program started on the first day of the third chemotherapy cycle. Fatigue was measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Covariates, i.e., functional performance, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and exercise-related variables, were also measured. Data were collected at baseline, two times during the exercise intervention, and five times after the exercise intervention (eight times in total). The effects of time-varying and time-invariant predictors on fatigue were analyzed by multilevel modeling. ResultsFatigue levels increased over time for both groups, even after completing treatment. At the end of the 12-week exercise program, the exercise group had less fatigue than the attention-control group, and this group difference was maintained for the whole study period. At the end of exercise program, women who had spent more time exercising before diagnosis had less fatigue than those who had exercised less often. In addition, patients' fatigue levels at various time points fluctuated along with their functional performance, sleep disturbance, and depression. ConclusionsOur tailored, home-based brisk walking program effectively reduced fatigue in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy, and this effect lasted after completing treatment.

Exercise Experiences and Changes in Affective Attitude: Direct and Indirect Effects of In Situ Measurements of Experiences.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exercise experiences (perceptions of competence, perceived exertion, acute affective responses to exercise) and affective attitudes toward exercise. This relationship was analyzed in a non-laboratory setting during a 13-weeks exercise program.Materials and Methods: 56 women and 49 men (aged 35–65 years; Mage = 50.0 years; SD = 8.2 years) took part in the longitudinal study. Affective responses to exercise (affective valence, positive activation, calmness) as well as perceptions of competence and perceived exertion were measured at the beginning, during, and end of three exercise sessions within the 13-weeks exercise program. Affective attitude toward exercise were measured before and at the end of the exercise program. A two-level path analysis was conducted. The direct and indirect effects of exercise experiences on changes in affective attitude were analyzed on the between-person level: firstly, it was tested whether perceptions of competence and perceived exertion directly relate to changes in affective attitude. Secondly, it was assessed whether perceptions of competence and perceived exertion indirectly relate to changes in affective attitudes—imparted via the affective response during exercise.Results and Conclusion: At the between-person level, a direct effect on changes in affective attitude was found for perceptions of competence (β = 0.24, p < 0.05). The model revealed one significant indirect pathway between perceived exertion and changes in affective attitude via positive activation: on average, the less strenuous people perceive physical exercise to be, the more awake they will feel during exercise (β = -0.57, p < 0.05). Those people with higher average levels of positive activation during exercise exhibit more improvements in affective attitudes toward exercise from the beginning to the end of the 13-weeks exercise program (β = 0.24, p < 0.05).Main study results have revealed that in situ experiences predicted changes in affective attitude during multi-week exercise programs. These relevant in situ experiences encompass cognitive factors, the sensation of interoceptive cues, and affective responses to exercise. Considering the predictive role of affective attitudes for exercise behavior, these findings suggest that exercise interventions should put greater emphasis on specific exercise experiences.

High Intensity Interval versus Moderate Intensity Continuous Training in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-analysis of Physiological and Clinical Parameters

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly improves their outcome, although the optimal mode of exercise training remains undetermined. Previous analyses have been constrained by small sample sizes and a limited focus on clinical parameters. Further, results from previous studies have been contradicted by a recently published large RCT. We performed a meta-analysis of published randomised controlled trials to compare high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MCT) in their ability to improve patients' aerobic exercise capacity (VO2peak) and various cardiovascular risk factors. We included patients with established coronary artery disease without or without impaired ejection fraction. Ten studies with 472 patients were included for analyses (218 HIIT, 254 MCT). Overall, HIIT was associated with a more pronounced incremental gain in participants' mean VO2peak when compared with MCT (+1.78mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.45-3.11). Moderate intensity continuous training however was associated with a more marked decline in patients' mean resting heart rate (-1.8/min, 95% CI: 0.71-2.89) and body weight (-0.48kg, 95% CI: 0.15-0.81). No significant differences were noted in the level of glucose, triglyceride and HDL at the end of exercise program between the two groups. High intensity interval training improves the mean VO2peak in patients with CAD more than MCT, although MCT was associated with a more pronounced numerical decline in patients' resting heart rate and body weight. The underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these results are uncertain, and remain a potential focus for future studies.

Effect of exercise training on the quality of life and echocardiography parameter of systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized trial.

Background:Ejection fraction promotion in heart failure patients reduces mortalities and limitations.Objectives:This study was to investigate the effect of exercise on ejection fraction of chronic heart failure patients.Patients and Methods:The present study was conducted on patients with chronic heart failure. 66 patients were divided randomly into two experimental and control groups of 33 each. The subjects were male and female. The patients in experimental group followed an exercise program three sessions per week for 24 weeks. Echocardiography and quality of life questionnaire were used to gather data. The data were analyzed by SPSS 18 through pair and independent t-test.Results:The results indicated a significant difference in left ventricular diameter (LV-ESD, LV-EDD) and ejection fraction at the end of exercise program in experimental group and 24 weeks after in control group. There was a significant difference in quality of life in physical performance, activity limitation following physical problems, energy and fatigue, social performance, physical pain, and public health (P < 0.05 for all) between two groups.Conclusions:Exercise program increases ejection fraction and quality of life in chronic heart failure patients, associated with management of disease by health team.

Comparison of aerobic interval training and moderate continuous training in patients with coronary artery disease

Introduction: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly improves their outcome. It is unclear however whether aerobic intensive interval training (AIIT) enhances patients’ exercise capacity (peak VO2) more than moderate intensity continuous training (MCT). Previous analyses have been constrained by small sample sizes and a limited focus on clinical parameters. Further, results from previous studies have been contradicted by a recently published large RCT. Method: A meta-analysis was performed comparing AIIT and MCT in their ability to improve patients’ peak VO2 and various cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Ten studies with 472 patients were included for analyses (218 AIIT, 254 MCT). There was no significant publication bias (p: 0.08). Overall, AIIT was associated with a more significant increase in VO2 max when compared with MCT (+1.53 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.35-2.72), although significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2: 83%, p<0.01).MCThoweverwas associatedwith a more significant decrease in resting heart rate (-1.8/min, 95% CI: 0.71-2.89) and body weight (-0.48kg, 95% CI: 0.15-0.81). Both results were highly consistent among included studies (I2=0%, P=NS). No significant differences were noted in the level of glucose, triglyceride and HDL at the end of exercise program between the two groups. Conclusion: AIIT improves exercise capacity in patients with CAD more than MCT, although MCT was associated with a more significant decline in patients’ resting HR and body weight. The underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these results are uncertain, and remain potential focus for future studies.

Country access to cardiac health (CATCH) program: improving rehospitalisation rates and length of stay for cardiac rehabilitation using innovative telehealth delivery

Introduction: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly improves their outcome. It is unclear however whether aerobic intensive interval training (AIIT) enhances patients’ exercise capacity (peak VO2) more than moderate intensity continuous training (MCT). Previous analyses have been constrained by small sample sizes and a limited focus on clinical parameters. Further, results from previous studies have been contradicted by a recently published large RCT. Method: A meta-analysis was performed comparing AIIT and MCT in their ability to improve patients’ peak VO2 and various cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Ten studies with 472 patients were included for analyses (218 AIIT, 254 MCT). There was no significant publication bias (p: 0.08). Overall, AIIT was associated with a more significant increase in VO2 max when compared with MCT (+1.53 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.35-2.72), although significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2: 83%, p<0.01).MCThoweverwas associatedwith a more significant decrease in resting heart rate (-1.8/min, 95% CI: 0.71-2.89) and body weight (-0.48kg, 95% CI: 0.15-0.81). Both results were highly consistent among included studies (I2=0%, P=NS). No significant differences were noted in the level of glucose, triglyceride and HDL at the end of exercise program between the two groups. Conclusion: AIIT improves exercise capacity in patients with CAD more than MCT, although MCT was associated with a more significant decline in patients’ resting HR and body weight. The underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these results are uncertain, and remain potential focus for future studies.

A rehabilitation program for lung cancer patients during postthoracotomy chemotherapy

ObjectiveThe objective of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a 16-week home-based rehabilitative exercise program on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), other symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QOL) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after thoracotomy starting within days after hospital discharge and continuing through the initiation and completion of chemotherapy.Materials and methodsFive patients with NSCLC completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory (measuring CRF severity) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (measuring symptom severity) before and after thoractomy, and at the end of each week of the 16-week exercise program. Additionally, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (measuring physical and mental functional status) and the Quality of Life Index (measuring QOL) were completed before and after thoracotomy, after weeks 3, 6, 12, and 16 (the end of the exercise program). Further, the 6-minute walk test (measuring functional capacity) was administered before thoracotomy, prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, and at the end of the 16-week exercise program, after completion of chemotherapy.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 63 years and a mean of five comorbid conditions; the exercise program was initiated within 4 days after hospital discharge. Participants’ CRF severity scores were reduced to mild levels, while the mean number of symptoms decreased from 9 postthoracotomy to 6 after the exercise program, with mean levels of severity and interference decreasing to below prethoracotomy levels. Likewise, participants’ functional status and QOL after completing the exercise program improved to near or above prethoracotomy levels.ConclusionThe home-based, light-intensity exercise program for NSCLC patients receiving and completing adjuvant chemotherapy postthoracotomy showed promising trends in improving CRF severity, other symptom severity, functional status, and QOL. Further testing via a two-arm randomized controlled trial is being conducted.

Effect of chronic training on cardiovascular risk factor in obese men

Obese individuals are more susceptible to develop cardiovascular diseases resulting from the excessive amount of adipose tissue. This study was aimed to determine effects of exercise training on some cardiovascular risk factors in obese or overweight men. For this purpose, twenty healthy adult obese or overweight men matched for age 35.1 ± 2.8 years and BMI 32.5 ± 1.11 kg/m2 was selected to participate in this study by accessible sampling. Then they selected to exercise (Aerobic training, 3 months/3 times weekly) and control group. Blood samples were collected prior and at the end of exercise program in order to measurement C-reactive protein (CRP), Total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in two groups. Anthropometrical indexes were also measured before and after exercise program. No significant differences were found in all cardiovascular risk factors by exercise program with compared to baseline (p ≥ 0.05). These findings suggest that exercise training does not independently affect the fasting serum CRP and lipid profile markers in healthy obese or overweight men. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the inflammatory property of exercise training in obese men.

Effects of sixteen weeks exercise training on left ventricular dimensions and function in young athletes

Background: Exercise training-induced hemodynamic and electrophysiological changes in the myocardium lead to physiological left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with preserved cardiac contractility and function, how much exact duration and intensity is enough for that?, is still not known. This must be known to clinician as the increasing involvement of young athletes in intensive training regimens. Aims & Objective: To evaluate morphological changes in heart by echocardiography with sixteen weeks of exercise. Materials and methods: Study comprises of sixteen weeks duration and was done on the students of physical education.This was a longitudinal study in which eighty-five subjects (43 male, 20.11 yrs ±1.137, 42 female, 19.81 yrs ± 1.89) were assessed using echocardiography and Medical Graphics CPX-D (for aerobic power) before the start of exercise program and at the end of exercise program. Statistical analysis was done using paired t test using Graph pad prism 5 software. Results: No significant change was found in left ventricular morphology and ejection fraction after exercise program. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the exercise training over a period of sixteen weeks doesn’t influence cardiovascular morphology, but causes improvement in aerobic power.

Effects of a Multimodal Exercise Program for People With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Few randomized controlled studies have examined the effects of exercise in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study investigated the effects of a 12-week, multimodal exercise program in patients with AS. A convenience sample of 30 patients with AS (18 male, 12 female), with a mean age of 34.9 years (SD=6.28), participated in the study. Twenty-six subjects were classified as having stage I AS and 4 subjects were classified as having stage II AS according to the modified New York Criteria. This study was a randomized controlled trial. Subjects were assigned to either a group that received an exercise program or to a control group. The exercise program consisted of 50 minutes of multimodal exercise, including aerobic, stretching, and pulmonary exercises, 3 times a week for 3 months. Subjects in both groups received medical treatment for AS, but the exercise group received the exercise program in addition to the medical treatment. All subjects received a physical examination at baseline and at 12 weeks. The examinations were conducted under the supervision of a physician who specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation and included the assessment of spinal mobility using 2 methods: clinical measurements (chin-to-chest distance, Modified Schober Flexion Test, occiput-to-wall distance, finger-to-floor distance, and chest expansion) and inclinometer measurements (gross hip flexion, gross lumbar flexion, and gross thoracic flexion). In addition, vital capacity was measured by a physiologist, and physical work capacity was evaluated by a doctorally prepared exercise instructor. The measurements of the exercise group for chest expansion, chin-to-chest distance, Modified Schober Flexion Test, and occiput-to-wall distance were significantly better than those of the control group after the 3-month exercise period. The spinal movements of the exercise group improved significantly at the end of exercise program, but those of the control group showed no significant change. In addition, the results showed that the posttraining value of gross thoracic flexion of the exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Physical work capacity and vital capacity values improved in the exercise group but decreased in the control group. In this study, a multimodal exercise program including aerobic, stretching, and pulmonary exercises provided in conjunction with routine medical management yielded greater improvements in spinal mobility, work capacity, and chest expansion.