Improvements In Endurance Research Articles

Healthy Eating Enhances Intrinsic Capacity, Thus Promoting Functional Ability of Retirement Home Residents in Northern Taiwan.

Healthy aging is defined as the process of developing and maintaining functional ability in older age with intrinsic capacity, the composite of all the physical and mental capacities of an individual, being the core. This study was conducted to explore the intervention effects of improved dietary quality on intrinsic capacity. A prospective single-group interventional quasi-experimental study with 59 functional independent older adults from retirement homes were recruited. Texture-modified plant-based dietary supplements were provided. In addition, dietary intake, functional ability, and intrinsic capacity in vitality, locomotion, cognition, and psychological capacity were assessed. Vitality was captured by nutritional status, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Locomotor capacity was assessed based on the performance of physical fitness in backscratch test, chair-sit-and-reach test, chair-stand test, one-foot-standing test, and gaits peed. Psychomotor capacity and cognition were measured by using 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. In a 4-month of intervention, after controlling for baseline values and covariates, participants with higher dietary intervention adherence showed a significant improvement over time in vitality captured by cardiorespiratory endurance (Pinteraction = 0.009) and significant improvement in locomotion captured by gait speed (Pclusters = 0.034). A significant decrease in the chair-stand test (Ptime = <0.001) and MMSE (Ptime = 0.022) was observed during the four months of intervention. Enhanced intrinsic capacity further contributed to the improvement of ADL over time (Pinteraction = 0.034). In conclusion, healthy eating enhances intrinsic capacity in vitality and locomotion thus promoting functional ability among older adults.

Neuromuscular Training, Exercise Physiology Clinic, Real-time Exercise, and Cardiac Rehabilitation

Neuromuscular Training, Exercise Physiology Clinic, Real-time Exercise, and Cardiac Rehabilitation

Inspiratory Muscle Training and Physical Fitness in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on physical fitness in children with Down syndrome (DS). DesignRandomized control trial. SettingThe study was conducted in a private physical therapy center. ParticipantsForty boys and girls with DS aged between 7 and 10 years were enrolled in this study (N=40). They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (A and B). InterventionsAll participants received 30 minutes of aerobic exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks, whereas group B received an additional 30 minutes of IMT before each aerobic exercise session. Main Outcomes MeasuresMaximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); submaximal aerobic endurance; muscular strength; endurance. ResultsAmong the group undergoing IMT, there were significant improvements in MIP, MEP, and submaximal aerobic endurance using the six-minute walk test (6MWT); strength and endurance using the curl-up, dumbbell press, trunk lift, standing long jump, seated push-up, pull-up, and flexed-arm hang; and back saver sit and reach tests (P > 0.05). ConclusionsInspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise training demonstrated more significant improvements in physical fitness than in those children who received only aerobic exercise training.

Doctoral physical therapy students’ increased confidence following exploration of active video gaming systems in a problem-based learning curriculum in the United States: a pre- and post-intervention study

PurposeActive video gaming (AVG) is used in physical therapy (PT) to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the lifespan. The literature supports improvements in balance, cardiovascular endurance, and motor control; however, evidence is lacking regarding the implementation of AVG in PT education. This study investigated doctoral physical therapy (DPT) students’ confidence following active exploration of AVG systems as a PT intervention in the United States.MethodsThis pretest-posttest study included 60 DPT students in 2017 (cohort 1) and 55 students in 2018 (cohort 2) enrolled in a problem-based learning curriculum. AVG systems were embedded into patient cases and 2 interactive laboratory classes across 2 consecutive semesters (April–December 2017 and April–December 2018). Participants completed a 31-question survey before the intervention and 8 months later. Students’ confidence was rated for general use, game selection, plan of care, set-up, documentation, setting, and demographics. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare differences in confidence pre- and post-intervention.ResultsBoth cohorts showed increased confidence at the post-test, with median (interquartile range) scores as follows: cohort 1: pre-test, 57.1 (44.3–63.5); post-test, 79.1 (73.1–85.4); and cohort 2: pre-test, 61.4 (48.0–70.7); post-test, 89.3 (80.0–93.2). Cohort 2 was significantly more confident at baseline than cohort 1 (P<0.05). In cohort 1, students’ data were paired and confidence levels significantly increased in all domains: use, Z=-6.2 (P<0.01); selection, Z=-5.9 (P<0.01); plan of care, Z=-6.0 (P<0.01); set-up, Z=-5.5 (P<0.01); documentation, Z=-6.0 (P<0.01); setting, Z=-6.3 (P<0.01); and total score, Z=-6.4 (P<0.01).ConclusionStructured, active experiences with AVG resulted in a significant increase in students’ confidence. As technology advances in healthcare delivery, it is essential to expose students to these technologies in the classroom.

Comparison of Two Diet and Exercise Approaches on Weight Loss and Health Outcomes in Obese Women.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000–2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW −6.1 [−7.8, −4.6], CV −4.9 [−6.2, −3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW −2.9 [−6.7, −0.2], CV −6.4 [−9.2, −3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW −2.5 [−4.3, −0.7], CV 1.3 [−0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW −1.4 [−4.1, 1.2], CV −4.7 [−7.5, −1.8]%, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL–HDLc ratio and triglycerides. Conclusion: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020.

P 36 Split-belt training but not cerebellar anodal tDCS improves stability control and reduces risk of fall in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease leading to gait impairment in 40-60% of people with MS (PwMS). The following loss of mobility and increased risk of falls is a key concern due to the interference with activities of daily living and independence. Further, a heightened fear of falling constitutes a vicious cycle leading to deconditioning and social isolation. The management of motor symptoms in MS remains a therapeutic challenge. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop effective and alternative approaches to motor symptom management. Split-belt treadmill (SBT) paradigms are a promising tool for improving gait and balance in PwMS due to its ability to improve walking symmetry. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory method that is emerging as a promising rehabilitative tool. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a non-pharmacological intervention combining multiple sessions of SBT with cerebellar anodal tDCS (ca-tDCS) on gait and balance in PwMS. We hypothesized that the combination of motor training and stimulation would be complementary, further translating to a reduction in risk of falls and increased mobility in PwMS. Patients and Methods: 22 PwMS received six sessions of anodal (PwMSreal, n = 12) or sham (PwMSsham, n = 10) tDCS to the cerebellum ipsilateral to the faster leg prior to performing the locomotor adaptation task on the SBT. To evaluate the effect of the intervention on gait and balance, functional gait assessment (FGA) scores and distance walked in 2 minutes (2MWT) were measured at baseline (T0), day 6 (T5) and at 4-week follow up (T6). Results: PwMSreal and PwMSsham showed the same level of performance and changes on the motor outcomes independent from tDCS stimulation mode applied to the cerebellum (anodal vs. sham, p > 0.05 on FGA and 2MWT). When the data were pooled across the groups to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of SBT training alone, an improvement in FGA scores relative to baseline by 3.3 and 5.1 points at T5 and T6 respectively was found (p < 0.001). The change in FGA at T6 was significantly higher than at T5 ( p = 0.010) underlining a long-lasting improvement. An improvement in distance walked during the 2MWT was also observed by 12.31 m on T5 and 11.56 m T6 relative to T0 (p < 0.050) . Conclusion: While no effect of ca-tDCS was found on improving gait and balance in PwMS, multiple sessions of SBT walking resulted in a significant and lasting improvement in gait stability and endurance as measured by FGA and 2MWT respectively. Before we can rule out any potential beneficial effect of combining tDCS with training, more thorough investigations into altered brain activation and functional connectivity patterns in PwMS are needed which could aid the selection of more effective tDCS parameters that will be able to boost therapeutic outcomes.

Effect of Functional Training on Speed Agility Explosive Power and Aerobic Endurance In Recreational Soccer Players

Background: Recreational soccer is characterized by fewer players per side and played on a smaller field than a standard competitive soccer game. Work to date indicates that recreational soccer positively motivates individuals and facilitates social interaction, which may enhance compliance and adherence to the activity and contribute to a physically active lifestyle. Functional training is becoming increasingly popular now a days and was ranked among the top 10 most popular fitness trends. Context and purpose: The popularity of recreational soccer is increasing day by day. There is scarcity of studies regarding exercise program for conditioning recreational soccer players. Specific exercise program for conditioning the recreational soccer players may improve their performance level and reduce the risk of injury. So this study aims to determine the effect of functional training on speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance in recreational soccer players. Results: The results projected a significant improvement in speed, agility, explosive power in both groups. Even though both groups showed improvement, Group A, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance than Group B, the conventional group. The improvement in movement pattern, proprioceptive loading and specific changes in the mechanism responsible for oxygen transport and utilization during Functional training may be the reason for improvement in Group A than Group B. Conclusion: The study concluded that functional training along with conventional training is effective in improving speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance in recreational soccer players. KEY WORDS: Functional Training, Recreational Soccer, Speed, Agility, Explosive Power, Aerobic Endurance.

Impact of mobility degradation on endurance fatigue of FeFET with TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/SiOx/Si (MFIS) gate structure

This work investigates the impact of mobility degradation on endurance fatigue of a ferroelectric field-effect-transistor (FeFET) with the TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/SiOx/Si (MFIS) gate structure. We use the split capacitance–voltage (C–V) method to study the carrier mobility during the program/erase cycling. We find that significant mobility degradation occurs with increasing program/erase cycle and further deteriorates endurance characteristics. Our work provides mobility degradation as another endurance fatigue factor of FeFET besides charge trapping and trap generation, which is helpful for endurance improvement.

Role of Lateral Fusion in Deformity Surgery.

Various techniques exist to surgically treat adult spinal deformity. Traditionally, anterior-based or posterior-based procedures with or without the addition of osteotomies were utilized. More recently, lateral-based approaches to correcting deformity have become more established and widely utilized. This may include the use of large footprint interbody devices with varying degrees of lordosis. Additionally, more powerful corrective techniques via lateral approach include anterior column release of the anterior longitudinal ligament and corpectomy. These present with unique risks that are typically related to the lateral approach, however, have been shown to reduce blood loss, decrease neurologic risk, and morbidity as they can be done through a less invasive approach. This review presents the variable deformity correction techniques that are available to the spinal surgeon, as well as the evidence and evolution of lateral-based techniques.

Exercise and Creatine Supplementation to Augment the Adaptation of Exercise Training Among Breast Cancer Survivors Completing Chemotherapy: Protocol for an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial (the THRIVE Study).

BackgroundIn breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy-induced muscle loss has been shown to be attenuated with structured resistance exercise. Creatine supplementation can increase bioenergetics in skeletal muscle, which helps to improve overall strength and endurance and reduce muscular fatigue. Therefore, we hypothesize that adding creatinine supplementation to exercise training will accelerate improvements in strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors.ObjectiveThe primary objective is to determine the effects of combining creatine supplementation with exercise on modulating strength and physical function in breast cancer survivors by comparing these effects to those of exercise alone. The secondary objectives are to determine if creatine supplementation and exercise can increase the intramuscular storage of creatine and improve body composition by comparing this intervention to exercise alone.MethodsWe aim to test our hypothesis by conducting an open-label randomized controlled trial of 30 breast cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy within 6 months of enrollment. Eligible participants will be equally randomized (1:1) to either a creatine and exercise group or an exercise-only group for this 12-week intervention. Individuals who are randomized to receive creatine will be initially dosed at 20 g per day for 7 days to boost the availability of creatine systemically. Thereafter, the dose will be reduced to 5 g per day for maintenance throughout the duration of the 12-week protocol. All participants will engage in 3 center-based exercise sessions, which will involve completing 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions on chest press, leg press, seated row, shoulder press, leg extension, and leg curl machines. The primary outcomes will include changes in strength, body composition, and physical function in breast cancer survivors. The secondary outcomes will be intramuscular concentrations of creatine and adenosine triphosphate in the vastus lateralis, midthigh cross-sectional area, and quality of life.ResultsAs of October 2021, a total of 9 patients have been enrolled into the study. No unexpected adverse events have been reported.ConclusionsCreatine is being studied as a potential agent for improving strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors following chemotherapy. The findings from our trial may have future implications for supporting breast cancer survivors in reversing the muscle loss experienced during chemotherapy and improving their physical function and quality of life.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04207359; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207359International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/26827

Effect of different recovery modes during resistance training with blood flow restriction on hormonal levels and performance in young men: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundResistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) results in hypertrophy, and its magnitude depends on various training variables. This study aimed to compare the long-term effect of passive recovery (PR) and active recovery (AR) during low-intensity resistance training with BFR on hormonal levels and performance in young men.MethodsIn the randomized clinical trial, 20 men were randomly divided into PR and AR groups during resistance training with BFR. The intervention consisted of six upper and lower body movements with 30% of one maximum repetition (1RM), three sessions per week for six weeks. Both groups wore pneumatic cuffs on the proximal part of thighs and arms. The cuff pressure was 60% of the calculated arterial blood occlusion and increased 10% every two weeks. The AR group performed seven repetitions in 30 s break between sets by one second for concentric and eccentric phases and two seconds rest, and the other group had passive rest. The blood samples and a series of performance tests were gathered before and after the intervention. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze data.ResultsAR and PR interventions significantly improved the C-reactive protein (CRP) (− 38% vs. − 40%), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (− 11% vs. − 3%), Sargent jump (9% vs. 10%), peak power (20% vs.18%), and average power (14% vs. 14%), upper 1RM (8% vs. 8%) and no significant differences were observed between groups. The AR intervention significantly increased growth hormone (GH) (423% vs. 151%, p = 0.03), lower body 1RM (18% vs. 11%) and muscle endurance (34% vs. 22% for the upper body, p = 0.02 and 32% vs. 24% for the lower body, p = 0.04) than the PR group. The PR intervention further increased the minimum power than the AR group (19% vs. 10%). There were no significant changes in testosterone (p = 0.79) and cortisol (p = 0.34) following interventions.ConclusionThe findings indicated that by increasing muscle activation and higher metabolic load, AR during resistance training with BFR might cause more remarkable improvements in serum GH, muscle strength, and endurance. Thus, to gain further benefits, AR during training with BFR is recommended.Trial registration: IRCT20191207045644N1. Registration date: 14/03/2020. URL: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20191207045644N1

Impact of tele rehabilitation on clinical outcomes in patients recovering from COVID-19: a preliminary investigation

Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven to be an effective therapeutic intervention for people with chronic respiratory disease. Considering the highly contagious nature of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it becomes imperative to develop a method which can effectively improve clinical disease outcomes of these patients without any physical contact. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of tele rehabilitation on dyspnoea, endurance and quality-of-life in patients recovering from COVID 19. Thirty-two participants (age: 42.5±13.94, height: 165.8±10.06, weight: 68.5±9.63, body mass index: 25.0±3.61) who are recovering from COVID-19 were recruited as per the eligibility criteria. They were randomly allocated into two groups, Tele rehabilitation (n=16) and Control (n=16) by lottery method. All the selected participants were assessed at baseline for perceived dyspnoea, endurance and quality-of-life. Patients in the Tele rehabilitation group received 14 sessions of rehabilitation on alternate days online via google meet over a period of 28 days. Control group received usual care during the study period. Standard statistical tests were employed to test the study hypothesis. Results suggested a significant improvement in both dyspnoea (P=0.001) and endurance (P&lt;0.001) in response to tele rehabilitation. Domains of quality-of-life such as physical role (P=0.02), vitality (P=0.04), emotional role (P=0.03), mental health (P=0.02) and physical components score (P=0.007) also showed significant improvement with tele rehabilitation in patients recovering from COVID-19. Findings of this preliminary study concludes that tele rehabilitation may be considered a treatment of choice in patients recovering from COVID-19 for improving outcomes of dyspnoea, endurance and quality-of-life.

Enhanced ferroelectric polarization with less wake-up effect and improved endurance of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films by implementing W electrode

1. Ferroelectric polarization value and o-/t- mixed phase fraction of HZO thin films can be largely enhanced by implementing W capping electrode. 2. Less wake-up effect (10.1%) and superior fatigue properties up to 1.5 × 10 10 cycles were obtained for W/HZO/W capacitor. 3. The influence of the top electrode on the ferroelectricity of metal/HZO/metal capacitor is more important than that of the bottom electrode. This paper reports the improvement of electrical, ferroelectric and endurance of Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 (HZO) thin-film capacitors by implementing W electrode. The W/HZO/W capacitor shows excellent pristine 2 P r values of 45.1 μC/cm 2 at ±6 V, which are much higher than those of TiN/HZO/W (34.4 μC/cm 2 ) and W/HZO/TiN (26.9 μC/cm 2 ) capacitors. Notably, the maximum initial 2 P r value of W/HZO/W capacitor can reach as high as 57.9 μC/cm 2 at ±7.5 V. These strong ferroelectric polarization effects are ascribed to the W electrode with a fairly low thermal expansion coefficient which provides a larger in-plane tensile strain compared with TiN electrode, allowing for enhancement of o-phase formation. Moreover, the W/HZO/W capacitor also exhibits higher endurance, smaller wake-up effect (10.1%) and superior fatigue properties up to 1.5 × 10 10 cycles compared to the TiN/HZO/W and W/HZO/TiN capacitors. Such improvements of W/HZO/W capacitor are mainly due to the decreased leakage current by more than an order of magnitude compared to the W/HZO/TiN capacitor. These results demonstrate that capping electrode material plays an important role in the enhancement of o-phase formation, reduces oxygen vacancies, mitigates wake-up effect and improves reliability.

EFFECT OF MCKENZIE TECHNIQUE WITH ICT AND CONVENTIONAL EXERCISE WITH ICT IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

Cervical radiculopathy is marked by nerve compression of a herniated disk. McKenzie and ICT are more used in participants with Cervical Radiculopathy. There are no studies that combine the McKenzie with ICT and Conventional Exercise with ICT in participants with Cervical Radiculopathy. The study aimed to nd the effects of the McKenzie Technique with ICT and Conventional Exercise program with ICT in participants with Cervical Radiculopathy to determine the better of these for benet of participants. So, a Quasi-Experimental study was conducted with 30 participants that featured Cervical Radiculopathy. They were studied for a 4-weeks intervention. They were divided into 2 groups by convenience sampling: - Group A: McKenzie Technique with ICT and Group B: Conventional Exercise with ICT. Pre- and post-treatment data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Paired and unpaired t-test was used to nd out the signicance of the treatment. A signicant improvement in pain, disability, muscle strength, and endurance (p&lt;0.05) after the treatment was found in both groups. Greater statistically signicant improvement was seen in Group A as compared to Group B. Thus, the study concluded that McKenzie Technique with ICT was more effective in Cervical Radiculopathy

EFFECTIVENESS OF PILATES ALONG WITH CONVENTIONAL EXERCISE AND CONVENTIONAL EXERCISE ALONE IN PARTICIPANTS WITH SUBACUTE LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain is considered a benign and self-limiting condition in most patients. Pilates is a system of exercises widely used in low back pain. There are no studies, show the effectiveness of Pilates exercises in participants with subacute low back pain. The study aimed to nd the effectiveness of Pilates versus Conventional Exercise in participants with Subacute Low Back Pain and to determine the better of these for benet of populations .So a Quasi-Experimental study was conducted in which 30 participants' featured of subacute low back pain were studied for 6- weeks intervention. They were divided into 2 groups by convenience sampling: - Group A: conventional exercise and Group B: Pilates along with conventional exercise. Pre and post-treatment data were collected and analyzed by SPSS 22.0. Paired and unpaired d t-test was used to nd out the signicance of the treatment. A signicant improvement in pain, disability, muscle strength, and endurance (p&lt;0.05) was found after the treatment in both the groups. Greater statistical signicant improvement was seen in Group B compared to Group A. Thus the study concluded that Pilates along with conventional exercise was more effective in treating participants with subacute low back pain.

Recessed Channel Ferroelectric-Gate Field-Effect Transistor Memory With Ferroelectric Layer Between Dual Metal Gates

In this study, we demonstrate a novel recessed channel ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) with gate metal/ferroelectric (FE) layer/inter-metal (IM)/interlayer (IL)/Si stacks, which can be called as dual metal gates recessed channel FeFET (DM-RFeFET), for nonvolatile memory applications with high performance and robust reliability. Through technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations with calibrated FE and device model parameters, it is revealed that the DM-RFeFET can have the wide memory window (MW) and the possibility of endurance improvement by maximizing the area ratio of FE and IL without sacrificing the footprint. Furthermore, the guidelines for the DM-RFeFET design are provided in terms of recess depth and additional high- <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> blocking layer between IM and IL to maximize the MW and to minimize IM charging by the gate leakage current.

Reinforcing effects of gypsum composite with basalt fiber and diatomite for improvement of high-temperature endurance

In this study, plaster materials composed of gypsum, basalt fiber (BF), and diatomite additives were produced, and the combined effects of high-temperature-resistant BF and porous, lightweight siliceous diatomite on the thermal and mechanical endurance of the resulting composite at high temperatures were studied. At room temperature, the incorporation of 0.5 wt% BF improved the bending and compressive strength by 43% and 16%, respectively, which showed a better improvement than the 1 wt% BF incorporation, with the respective numbers of 8% and 7%. The reinforcing effect of BF is discernible at elevated temperatures; however, the reinforcing effect is lost up to 600 ℃ due to fiber failure. Diatomite significantly alleviated the formation and propagation of cracks in the gypsum composite at high temperatures by forming a porous structure that created pathways for releasing internal vapor pressure at high temperatures. The thermal conductivity values decreased from 0.411 to 0.364 W/mk as the diatomite content increased to 20 wt%, however, the polar surface energy of BF modified the growth of the gypsum crystals, resulting in an increased thermal conductivity of the composite. Furthermore, changes occurring in the morphology and chemical composition of the gypsum composite following heat-treatment were analyzed by the differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. The results obtained validate the usage of BF and diatomite as potential additives for improving the performance of gypsum composites as fire protection materials in building construction.

Cerium oxide capping on Y-doped HfO2 films for ferroelectric phase stabilization with endurance improvement

The effects of 1 nm thick CeO x capping on 7.5 nm thick Y-doped HfO2 films on the ferroelectric characteristics are investigated. From the ferroelectric characteristics of the samples annealed at different temperatures from 450 °C to 600 °C and annealing durations, the time (τ) required to stabilize the ferroelectric phase at each temperature was shortened by the capping. The identical activation energy (E a) of 2.65 eV for ferroelectric stabilization without and with capping suggests the same kinetics for phase transformation. However, an increase in the remnant polarization (P r) was obtained. Only a few Ce atoms diffused into the underlying HfO2 film even after 600 °C annealing. Ferroelectric switching tests revealed an improvement in endurance from 107 to 1010 by the capping, presumably owing to the suppression of conductive filament formation. Therefore, CeO x capping is effective in promoting the ferroelectric phase in HfO2 with high switching endurance.

Time-dependent cortical plasticity during moderate-intensity continuous training versus high-intensity interval training in rats.

The temporal pattern of cortical plasticity induced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) is required to clarify their relative benefits to prevent neurological disorders. The purpose of this study is to define the time-dependent effects of work-matched HIIT and MICT on cortical plasticity, endurance, and sensorimotor performances over an 8-week training period in healthy rats. Adult healthy rats performed incremental exercise tests and sensorimotor tests before and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of training. In parallel, cortical markers related to neurotrophic, angiogenic, and metabolic activities were assessed. Results indicate that HIIT induced an early and superior endurance improvement compared to MICT. We found significant enhancement of speed associated with lactate threshold (SLT) and maximal speed (Smax) in HIIT animals. MICT promoted an early increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and angiogenic/metabolic markers but showed less influence at 8 weeks. HIIT upregulated the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as well as neurotrophic, metabolic/angiogenic markers at 2 and 8 weeks and downregulated the neuronal K-Cl cotransporter KCC2 that regulates GABAA-mediated transmission. HIIT and MICT are effective in a time-dependent manner suggesting a complementary effect that might be useful in physical exercise guidelines for maintaining brain health.

Group- plus home-based Tai Chi program improves functional health among patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Tai Chi is a promising exercise option in cardiac rehabilitation to manage coronary heart disease (CHD). Increasing attention was paid on home-based cardiac rehabilitation to improve participation rate, but no study has yet emphasized the effect of home-based Tai Chi. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial is used to examine the effects of a group- plus home-based Tai Chi program on functional health. Ninety-eight community-dwelling patients with CHD were randomly assigned to the Tai Chi and control groups. Participants in the Tai Chi group attended 6-week group- plus 6-week home-based Tai Chi program. Outcome measures included physical functions, cardiovascular risk factors, and exercise self-efficacy. Data were collected at baseline, 6-week, 12-week, and 24-week. Intervention effects were analysed using the generalized estimating equation model. Compared with changes in the control group, the intervention group achieved significant improvements in aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, agility and dynamic balance, diastolic blood pressure, and exercise self-efficacy over the 24-week study period (all Ps &lt; 0.05). Intervention adherence was high (79.6% of participants attending &gt;75% of all Tai Chi sessions). This Tai Chi program significantly improved the functional health of patients with CHD, indicating that Tai Chi could be taught in group sessions and then continued independently as a home exercise routine for health promotion.