Fitness Test Research Articles

The role of digital literacy, epistemological belief and reading motivation and engagement in teaching 21st century skills

PurposeThe aim of this study was to shed some light on the extent to which digital literacy, epistemological belief and reading motivation and engagement predict pre-service teachers’ capabilities in teaching 21st century skills.Design/methodology/approach21st Century Skills Teaching Scale, Internet based Epistemological Beliefs Scale, Internet based Reading Motivation and Engagement Scale as well as Digital Literacy Scale were used to collect the data. A total of 512 pre-service teachers from four universities in Türkiye participated in the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation and structural equation model fitness tests were performed by using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 22.0.FindingsFirst, the results of the correlations analysis indicated that there were statistically significant positive correlations among measured variables. Second, the results of the path and SEM model fit tests demonstrated that all the model fit indices of X2/df, TLI, CFI, RMSEA met the acceptable criteria and were shown to be an adequate model structure. Finally, the results demonstrated strong evidence for predicting effects of digital literacy, epistemological belief as well as reading motivation and engagement on teaching 21st century skills.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by the fact that the evidence relies solely on pre-service teachers' self-reporting. Secondly, although the hypothesised model explained 45.2% variance of pre-service teachers’ competence in the 21st century skills, 54.8% of it remains unexplained.Originality/valueThe results of this study suggest important implications for teaching programs as they underscore the importance of digital literacy on epistemological beliefs, reading motivation and competence in teaching 21st century skills.

Modelling and comparison of fine coal beneficiation with water-only cyclone and spiral

ABSTRACT In this study, a three-level Box-Behnken design of experiments combined with response surface methodology used to investigate the effects of some parameters of a water-only cyclone (WOC), spiral and WOC-spiral circuit. The actual data collected from the tests were used to construct the empirical models representing clean coal ash and yield as process responses to the independent variables. The significance test of model fit for clean coal ash and yield were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that ash content and yield of the clean coal models were significant. The results showed that WOC produced coal with lower ash content, the spiral products resulted in higher yields. It was observed that the WOC-spiral circuit achieved higher yield at equivalent ash contents.

Assessment of myosteatosis and functionality in pretreatment gynecological cancer patients.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between pretreatment gynecologic cancer survival and the physical function of patients with myosteatosis. Understanding this relationship prior to treatment would help healthcare providers identify and refer patients with poor muscle quality to an exercise program prior to treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 73 GC patients. Physical function was quantified using handgrip strength and an adapted version of the Senior Fitness Test (aerobic endurance not included). The EORTC QLC-C30 was used to evaluate general health quality. Myosteatosis (values below the median muscle radiodensity), muscle mass, and adipose tissue variables were calculated from the computed tomography (CT) scan at the third lumbar vertebra using specific software. Seventy patients (50.9 ± 15.2) were included; 41.5% had stage III or IV disease, and 61.4% had cervical cancer. The myosteatosis group was 11.9years older and showed reduced functioning compared to the normal-radiodensity group. Age and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results were shown to be the most reliable predictors of muscle radiodensity in pretreatment gynecological patients according to multivariate regression analysis (R2 = 0.314). Gynecological healthcare professionals should be aware that prompt exercise programs might be especially beneficial for older patients with reduced TUG performance to preserve muscle function and quality.

Fitness Levels of Elementary School Students Based on Gender and Race in Indonesia: Are There Differences?

This research aimed to determine differences in physical fitness levels based on Race and Gender in Indonesia. It used a comparative quantitative approach. The samples in this research were elementary school students in three provinces: Sumsel, DIY, and NTT. They were selected using cluster random sampling and yielded 254 people. Then, the samples were clustered to equalize numbers based on students’ gender and regional race (South Sumatra, DIY, & NTT). After this process, the remaining 132 people were taken. Students’ physical fitness data were collected using the Indonesian Physical Fitness Test (TKJI). The data were then analyzed using the parametric Two-Way ANOVA statistics. The results of the Two-Way ANOVA test showed that the race factor variable had a value of Sig. 0.00 < 0.05. This value indicates a significant difference in the TKJI test scores between races in the three provinces: South Sumatra, DIY, and NTT. In the gender factor variable, the Sig. 0.001 < 0.05, meaning a significant difference was also found in the TKJI test scores between male and female students. Furthermore, for the combined race and gender factor variables, the Sig 0.485 > 0.05. Since the Sig value was greater, there is no influence or interaction between the race and gender factors in the three provinces in determining the results of the students' TKJI scores. Differences in physical fitness in terms of race can be caused by differences in physical activity, socioeconomic status, and social factors, such as racial discrimination and interpersonal racial discrimination. These differences can manifest as emotional stress due to increased psychological stress and increased risk of unhealthy behavior, including activities. In addition, the difference in physical fitness was also found between genders. The results show that men have a better level of physical fitness than women. One of the reasons is possibly due to increased fat mass associated with growth and puberty in girls. In addition, boys are often more active than girls. Keywords: Physical fitness, Student, Race, Gender

Lactation Curves of Mastitic Vrindavani Cattle: A Statistical Approach

Mastitis is one of the important animal disease which causes huge economic loss. The present study was aimed to find the best lactation curve model that describes the milk production pattern of Vrindavani cattle suffered from mastitis. In the study, test day milk yield data of 161 mastitic Vrindavani cattle (incidence of the disease occurring within the three months of parturition) was collected from Cattle and Buffalo Farm, LPM section, ICAR‑IVRI over 5 years (2009-2014). Eight lactation curve models [Inverse quadratic polynomial model (ND), Incomplete Gamma function (WD), Linear decline model (CL), Wilmink model (WL) Mixed log model (ML), Mitscherlich x Exponential (ME), Morant and Gnanasakthy model (MG) and Ali & Schaeffer lactation curve model (AS)] were fitted. The best model was selected based on different goodness of fit criteria and the Durbin-Watson test was used to examine the presence of autocorrelation present in the data set. Kolmogorov-Smirnova test and Shapiro-Wilk were used to test the normality of the residuals. Based on the various goodness of fit test it was observed that the Mixed Log (ML) model was the best fitted model to describe the lactation pattern of mastitic Vrindavani cattle.

Comparative Analysis of Flood Estimation using Log-Pearson Type III and Gumbel Max Models in the Cauvery River, India

Flooding is one of the most destructive global disasters in scale, geographical extent, property and life loss, and population displacement. The Cauvery River is one of the flood vulnerable rivers in the Peninsular region of India. At-site flood frequency analysis is performed using flow data obtained at the Kodumudi gauged site in the Cauvery River. Log Pearson Type III and Gumbel Max distribution models are used in the present study to estimate peak floods for different return periods. The Central Water Commission provides the annual maximum discharge for the Kodumudi gauged site over 39 years (1980-2018). The goodness of fit test employing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson- Darling tests, reveals that Log-Pearson Type III best estimates peak floods in the study area. The peak floods predicted by Log-Pearson Type III for return periods 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 years are approximately 929, 1886, 2998, 5303, 8002, 11929, 17633, and 29228 cumecs. Hydraulic structures can be designed in the region based on 100-year flood. The present research could help with flooding management approaches, vulnerability analyses, and hydraulic structure design in the study region.

Intermittent Hypoxic Training Increases and Prolongs Exercise Benefits in Adult Untrained Women.

Alba Camacho-Cardenosa, Marta Camacho-Cardenosa, Johannes Burtscher, Pedro R. Olivares, Guillermo Olcina, and Javier Brazo-Sayavera. Intermittent hypoxic training increases and prolongs exercise benefits in adult untrained women. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Background: Exercising in hypoxia may confer multiple health benefits, but the evidence for specific benefits is scarce. Methods: We investigated effects of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on the quality of life and functional fitness of healthy adult women, in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Subjects performed 36 sessions of IHT (experimental group, n = 41; fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2]: 0.17) or the same training in normoxia (control group, n = 41; FIO2: 0.21). Health-related quality of life, fitness tests, and hemoglobin levels were assessed before (T1), directly after (T2), and 4 weeks after (T3) cessation. Results: At T2, upper body strength (+14.96%), lower body strength (+26.20%), and agility (-4.94%) increased significantly in the experimental group compared to baseline but not in controls.The experimental group improved lower body strength more (by 9.85%) than controls at T2 and performed significantly better in walking (by 2.92%) and upper body strength testing (by 16.03%), and agility (by 4.54%) at T3. Perceived general health and vitality was significantly greater in the experimental group at T2 and T3 compared with T1. None of these improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions: IHT is a promising strategy to induce long-lasting fitness benefits in healthy adult women.

Physical fitness decline and career paths: a longitudinal study of medical undergraduates

IntroductionExercise enhances one's health and competitiveness. A strong physical fitness status can pave the way for a promising future. This study presents the time-based trends in physical fitness indicators—including height, weight, BMI, lung capacity, dash, long-distance running, and standing long jump—among medical undergraduates during their university years. Additionally, we analyzed the impact of students' physical fitness on their career paths.MethodWe conducted a retrospective database study by collecting physical fitness test data and career paths information for 634 medical students from a university in southwestern China. These students graduated in 2022. The career paths included pursuits in further studies, employment, and unemployment. To detect differences in these aspects, we used the t-test and Chi-square test.ResultsOur study indicates a significant declining trend in the physical fitness of medical students during their university years. The changes observed between the first and fourth tests are as follows:Weight (kg): 58.52 ± 10.48 to 60.73 ± 12.07, P < 0.00BMI (kg/m^2): 20.79 ± 2.74 to 21.24 ± 3.06, P < 0.0050-m dash (s): 8.91 ± 0.99 to 9.25 ± 1.11, P < 0.00Standing long jump (cm): 187.74 ± 30.98 to 182.59 ± 32.25, P < 0.00800-m run for females (min): 3.84 ± 0.47 to 4.48 ± 0.85, P < 0.001000-m run for males (min): 3.98 ± 0.63 to 4.62 ± 0.87, P < 0.00Sit-ups for females (count): 30.39 ± 7.5 to 29.03 ± 8.82, P < 0.00Upon analyzing the correlation between changes in physical fitness and career paths, students with stable or decreased BMI had better post-graduation outcomes compared to students with increased BMI.ConclusionsMedical students show a declining trend in physical fitness during their undergraduate years. A good physical health status is beneficial for achieving better career paths. Medical students should place greater emphasis on physical exercise during their time in school.

Goodness of fit test for a skewed generalized normal distribution

ABSTRACT The skewed generalized normal (SGN) distribution with four parameters is a versatile distribution that can effectively model data with skewness and heavy or light tails. In this paper, we conduct two classes of goodness of fit tests for the SGN distribution based on the empirical distribution function (edf) and the sample correlation coefficient. The first class involves transforming the sample into approximately mixed gamma observations, and then applying five classical parametric bootstrap edf-based goodness of fit tests. The second class is based on the inverse probability transformation and utilizes the sample correlation coefficient as the test statistic. We compare the finite sample performances of the proposed tests for different sample sizes and alternative distributions by extensive numerical studies. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed tests provide a valid alternative to the standard tests using the original data, and the analysis of real data illustrates its application.

Comparison of The Physical Fitness Parameters of Special Education Vocational School Students and Inclusion High School Students

This study compared the physical fitness parameters of intellectually disabled special education vocational school students with those of inclusive high school students using the causal comparison method. Participants consisted of 22 (15 male, 7 female) from Special Education Vocational School and 25 (20 male, 5 female) inclusion students receiving inclusive education at high school. A physical fitness form was used to collect data on body mass index (BMI), standing long jump, flexibility, right-hand reaction, left-hand reaction, leg strength, back strength, right-hand grip, left-hand grip, 30 m sprint, and push-ups. The T-test was applied to data exhibiting normal distribution, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for data not normally distributed. Among the parameters showing normal distribution, there were significant differences between the two different student groups in the standing long jump, flexibility, left-hand reaction, leg strength, and right-left hand grip strength. Although a significant difference was observed in the right-hand reaction, no significant differences were detected for the other non-normally distributed parameters of BMI, back strength, 30-m sprint, and push-ups. Our results indicated that students with intellectual disability (ID) enrolled in inclusive education at the high school level performed better in all physical fitness tests conducted compared to their peers in special education vocational schools.

Effects of Vertical and Horizontal Jumping Asymmetries on Linear and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance of Female Soccer Players

In recent years, along with the remarkable development of women’s soccer, significant attention has been given to the study of asymmetry in lower limbs. However, there is uncertainty about whether and to what extent jumping asymmetries affect the performance of female soccer players. The aims of this study were to examine (a) possible asymmetries in jumping ability and (b) the correlations between asymmetries and performance of female soccer players in 10 m and 30 m speed tests, as well as in change-of-direction speed tests. The study involved 12 adolescent (age: 15.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 59.4 ± 7 kg and height: 160.5 ± 5.1 cm) and 10 adult female soccer players (age: 22.3 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 62.2 ± 7.5 kg and height: 165.7 ± 6.1 cm). Pearson’s correlations showed no statistically significant relationships between vertical and horizontal asymmetries and time in 10 m, 30 m and 505 change-of-direction speed tests for adolescent players. In adult players, a significantly high correlation was found between asymmetries in single-leg hop tests (for distance) and time in 505 change-of-direction speed tests (r = 0.68, p &lt; 0.05). Adult players showed higher asymmetry values in vertical and horizontal jump tests, but these asymmetries were not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Practitioners are recommended to implement strength and power training programs, as well as injury prevention protocols, aiming to reduce asymmetries, in order to minimize the risk of injuries, and potentially improve performance of female soccer players in certain fitness tests.

Assessing general hospital doctors’ attitudes toward psychiatric care in multicultural settings

ObjectivePsychiatric care in general hospitals depends on collaboration with non-psychiatrist doctors. The Doctors’ Attitudes toward Collaborative Care for Mental Health (DACC-MH) is a two-factor scale designed to address this issue and validated in the UK in 2010. However, its applicability in contemporary, culturally diverse settings is unknown and therefore this study was aimed at determining its validity and consistency using data from our 2021 international study. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were used, comparing results from our 2021 study (n = 889) with those from the 2010 UK study (n = 225).ResultsThe DACC-MH consultation subscale, but not the management subscale, aligned with data from our larger, international study. The 2-factor model failed the Chi-square goodness of fit test (χ2(19) = 53.9, p < 0.001) but had acceptable other fit indices. While the previously identified attitudinal difference between physicians and surgeons was replicated, measurement invariance for this result could not be established. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a 6-factor model, contrasting with the 2-factor model proposed in 2010 for the UK sample. The DACC-MH scale shows significant limitations when applied to a larger, international dataset. Cultural and generational differences in doctors’ attitudes appear relevant and should be considered in assessing barriers to psychiatric care in general hospitals.

Moving together - benefits of an online dance program on physical and mental health for older women: an exploratory mixed-method study

BackgroundPrevious studies show that in-person dance training is a beneficial form of physical activity that involves mental, social, and physical dimensions. This exploratory study investigated the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on mental and physical health outcomes for older women.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. Forty-five older adults (74.0 ± 5.3 yrs old, 44 women) were recruited through advertisements at activity and rehabilitation centers in the North Denmark region. The intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes of improvisation and salsa delivered online through video call applications. Changes in physical health outcomes (body mass and composition, resting blood pressure, Senior Fitness Test battery) and self-rated health and wellbeing (health-related quality of life (HRQOL), feelings of loneliness) were assessed prior to and after 12 weeks of dancing. Focus group interviews were conducted post-intervention to further explore the benefits as well as the participant’s experience of the intervention. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted.ResultsThirty-two participants (all women) completed the study. Significant improvements in fitness were found for the number of arm curls performed (baseline: 12.3 ± 3.0; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 3.0, P = 0.005), 2-min step test performance (baseline: 66.5 ± 20.0 reps.; post-intervention: 73.8 ± 22.6 reps., P = 0.016), and chair sit-and-reach (baseline: 0.4 ± 11.3 cm; post-intervention: 5.5 ± 10.1 cm, P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in body mass from baseline to post-intervention (P < 0.015). The themes from the focus groups included (1) Participation, (2) Challenges, (3) Progression, (4) Motivation, (5) Perceived health and wellbeing, and (6) Online dance instruction. No significant changes were reported in HRQOL and loneliness from the quantitative data, although the qualitative data did reveal improved feelings of physical health and wellbeing.ConclusionsThe intervention improved several aspects of fitness in older women and improved the participants’ perceptions of their own physical abilities and wellbeing. While most participants found the online intervention enjoyable, several participants missed the feedback from the instructors that naturally occurs with in-person instruction.

Assessment Methods and their Effectiveness in Evaluating Physical Fitness in School Settings

Forming a vital contribution to the development of health conditions for individuals during school years, physical fitness tests and interventions in school environments are among such aspects. This general research article focuses on physical fitness assessment and brings together a humongous literature base. As sample of the study varied cohort from different contributors: from different schools, students , teachers and administrators. By means of stratified random sampling. The study begins with a baseline evaluation of fitness in the participants using both standardized tests recommended by Williams &amp; Lacy, as well as self-report surveys derived from Vanhees et al This preliminary phase acts exactly like how much physically active that samples are currently at this point during their lifetime. This study provides an overall view of the physical fitness tests and interventions that have been conducted in various school systems. To establish the pre and post-intervention performances of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength flexibility as well body composition were measured using standardized fitness tests. Application of appropriate interventions led to significant improvements in various components of fitness. In addition, self-reported physical activity questionnaires and wearable activity tracker data offer insight into behavioral changes among participants observed via frequency duration and intensity levels. Collectively, the findings discussed above provide insight into assessment measures which promote physical fitness in students and puts light on implications for teachers, school administrators as well as research community.

Goodness–of–fit tests based on the min–characteristic function

Tests of fit for classes of distributions that include the Weibull, the Pareto and the Fréchet families are proposed. The new tests employ the novel tool of the min–characteristic function and are based on an L2–type weighted distance between this function and its empirical counterpart applied on suitably standardized data. If data–standardization is performed using the MLE of the distributional parameters then the method reduces to testing for the standard member of the family, with parameter values known and set equal to one. Asymptotic properties of the tests are investigated. A Monte Carlo study is presented that includes the new procedure as well as competitors for the purpose of specification testing with three extreme value distributions. The new tests are also applied on a few real–data sets.

Analysis of Changes in Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents (11-15Years) From Kraków (Poland) During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed a threat to society worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the physical fitness of 11- to 15-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional research was conducted in randomly selected schools in Kraków (Poland) during the years 2020 and 2022. The study group included 1635 adolescents aged 11-15years. The results of fitness tests such as flexibility, standing broad jump, handgrip strength, overhead medicine ball throw, shuttle run (10 × 5m), and 30-second sit-ups were analyzed. Body height and weight measurements were also taken. The standing broad jump and handgrip strength were normalized. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups using 2-way analysis of variance with the Tukey HSD post hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test. The test results revealed a deterioration decrease in sit-ups, standing broad jump, shuttle run, and normalized standing broad jump in both sexes. Furthermore, the test results among girls showed a decrease in overhead medicine ball throw and flexibility. An increase in test results of both sexes was noticed in handgrip strength of the right and left hand. Among boys in 2022, the results were better in the flexibility test and overhead medicine ball throw compared with their peers from 2020. This study indicates a decrease in overall physical fitness in adolescents. The observed results may be associated with a decrease in physical activity, changes in nutrition, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOES EXERCISE INFLUENCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN BURNS &amp;gt;1 YEAR AFTER INJURY?

A burn is one of the most traumatic injuries a person can sustain, and along with mental and physical scars, trigger a greater and more persistent inflammatory and metabolic response than other trauma cases, with hypermetabolic and hyperinflammation being reported &amp;gt;3 years post-burn. Exercise has been shown to positively influence inflammatory and metabolic function in both healthy and diseased cohorts, however little is known about the influence of exercise on chronic inflammation and metabolism in burn survivors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an exercise intervention on inflammatory and metabolic markers in patients who had sustained a burn injury &amp;gt;1 year ago. In this study 15 participants were randomised in a cross over design into one of two conditions, either exercise-control, or control-exercise. The exercise condition comprised of six weeks of resistance and aerobic exercise, completed remotely or supervised in a hospital gym. A comprehensive battery of clinical and physiological assessments was completed at 0, 3 and 6 weeks of each exercise and control condition. The primary outcome measure for this study was TNF-alpha and how this changed in response to the exercise condition. Secondary measures included indirect calorimetry, metabolomic and lipidomic analysis, strength and aerobic fitness testing, body composition and questionnaires related to functional status and physical activity history. It is hoped that the results from this study will contribute to the future of post-burn rehabilitation and continue to develop the understanding surrounding the chronic post-response physiological response.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PROGRAM IN AN OUTPATIENT SETTING (HELPOUT)

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Substance use disorder is a major public health concern and is associated with elevated rates of physical illnesses. It is known that exercise is safe in a substance use population, with engagement in exercise being reported to increase periods of abstinence, metabolic health, and physical capacity. There is little evidence exploring the willingness and capacity of a substance use patient to perform exercise. This study explores the physical activity habits and preferences of substance use patients, their capacity to perform exercise and the impact of acute exercise on psychological outcomes. METHODS Participants accessing opioid maintenance therapy were recruited from drug and alcohol clinics in metropolitan Sydney. 98 participants completed questionnaires assessing recent exercise and diet, quality of life, and anthropometry. Of these, 22 participants also completed fitness testing with changes in mood assessed acutely. RESULTS 46% of participants reported planned physical activity however only 32% met ACSM guidelines. Higher levels of perceived physical health and quality of life had a notable positive association with volume of planned exercise completed. 95% of the cohort were interested in participating in an exercise program, with a lack of motivation and having an injury being the primary barriers to participation. 19.6% reported levels of extreme pain compared to 6.4% of the Australian population. Exercise capacity varied, with average performance in upper body endurance and hand grip strength assessments, but poor capacity in lower limb strength, balance and functional capacity. An acute bout of exercise lead to an increase in positive affect (p&amp;lt;0.001) and a decrease in negative affect (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS Exercise therapy has the potential to offer numerous benefits to patients seeking treatment for opioid use disorder, with planned physical activity correlation with improved physical and mental health outcomes. Clinical support from exercise physiologists is needed to assist in overcoming barriers to exercise and managing comorbid medical conditions.

DOES EXERCISE CHANGE BLOOD FLOW TO TUMOURS? ACUTE AEROBIC EXERCISE EFFECTS ON LIVER METASTASES BLOOD FLOW: A CASE SERIES

AIM Effective cancer treatment relies on intravenous chemotherapy penetrating the entire tumour in sufficient concentrations, which is largely reliant on effective blood supply into and within the tumour. However, tumours contain abnormal vasculature with inefficient blood perfusion leading to the inability for chemotherapy to reach the target tumour. Pre-clinical evidence suggests acute exercise may increase blood flow by 200%. However, most pre-clinical studies investigate the effects of light-to-moderate intensity exercise and subsequently there is little evidence regarding the most effective exercise intensity for improved tumour vasculature. Therefore, the aim of this ongoing case series is to determine whether exercise changes tumour blood flow in a clinical model using non-invasive techniques, and how exercise intensity effects degree of change in blood flow to tumours in patients with liver metastases. METHODS Participants were eligible if they were aged over 18 years, had stage IV cancer with liver metastasis and ECOG 0-2. The study visit consisted of an aerobic fitness test (YMCA) to determine cardiorespiratory fitness and three 5-minute bouts of exercise at low, moderate and high intensities. After each exercise bout, Doppler ultrasound was used to measure a liver tumour vessel and the hepatic artery (as a control) to determine blood flow parameters. RESULTS Exercise increased peak systolic velocities (PSV) to liver tumours at all intensities compared to rest. Moderate and high exercise intensities showed a marked increase in PSV within the first 2 minutes after exercise. The hepatic artery showed less variability in PSV with time compared to the liver tumour. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not affect tumour PSV. CONCLUSION The results of this case series thus far suggest that exercise increases tumour blood flow at all exercise intensities with particular emphasis on moderate and high intensities. This supports the potential for using exercise as an adjunct to standard treatment to improve chemotherapy efficacy.

High dose vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of deficiency in male conscripts, but has no effect on physical performance-A randomized study.

Physical load during military training might increase the need for vitamin D; therefore, supplementation could be beneficial for 25(OH)D serum levels and physical performance. One hundred and twelvemale conscripts were randomized into two vitamin D oil capsule supplementation groups: 55 participants in the 600 IU group and 57 in the 4000 IU group with a follow-up period from July 2021 to May 2022. Physical fitness tests were performed in July, October and May. Hand grip strength tests were performed in July, October and January. Blood serum (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone PTH), calciumand ionized calcium (i-Ca) values were measured in July, October, January and May. The 600 IU group had a lower (p < 0.001) value of 25(OH)D at all time points compared to the 4000 IU group, except at baseline. None of the subjects in the 600 IU group reached sufficient levels of 75 nmol/L of 25(OH)D in January and May. In May, 60% of participants in the 600 IU group and 30% in the 4000 IU group had 25(OH)D levels under 50 nmol/L. No significant differences in PTH or i-Ca values were found between the study groups at any time point. No significant differences at any time point were found in the physical fitness test or hand grip strength test between the groups. A 10-month vitamin D supplementation with 4000 IU decreased the incidence of vitamin D deficiency (<75 nmol/L) in young, male army conscripts during wintertime, but no differences in physical performance were found compared to 600 IU supplementation. Level I, Prospective randomized study.