Harvard Step Test Research Articles

Comparison of Physical Fitness Index (PFI) between Spinning (indoor cycling) female practitioners and Zumba female practitioners using Modified Harvard’s Step Test: A pilot study

Background: With increase in awareness about the importance of physical fitness, there has been considerable increase in proportion of population indulging in various new emerging forms of exercises such as Zumba and Spinning. Purpose of study: To assess and compare Physical Fitness Index (PFI) between females practicing two newer forms of aerobic exercises Zumba (group 1) and Spinning (group 2) and to understand whether one aerobic activity has better PFI values over other and whether they can be used interchangeably. It will also create awareness regarding both the newer forms of aerobic exercise forms Zumba and Spinning and its effect. Method: Healthy females practicing either Zumba and spinning for one year regularly were chosen. Step board of height 33 cm, metronome, stopwatch used. Modified Harvard Step test was explained and then subjects were asked to do it. Results were calculated and scoring was done. Results and Main findings: The study showed that in (Group 1) Zumba practitioners 92.86% population had excellent PFI, 7.14% population had fair PFI. In (Group 2) Spinning practitioners, 100% subjects showed excellent PFI, Group 2 had evidently greater mean PFI than group 1 but not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in PFI values between the subjects of two groups spinning and Zumba. Conclusion: Majority of the population of both the groups showed Excellent PFI. Both the newer types of aerobic exercise forms can be used interchangeably depending on the age of population. KEY WORDS: Zumba, Spinning, Modified Harvard’s Step test, Physical Fitness Index, Females.

Development of harvard step test an-515 based on digital integrated technology

For practitioners and academission in sports, knowing the level of physical fitness is very important. One way to measure it by using the Harvard Step Test. However, measuring physical fitness using the manual Harvard Step Test often has several drawbacks. One of them is an error in the process of calculating the pulse, which results in the final result of physical fitness measurements to be less accurate. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a valid and reliable Harvard Step Test measuring instrument based on integrated digital technology. This research uses research and development methods. The small-scale trial used 10 samples from the Regional Leadership 53 Tapak Suci Klaten Pencak silat branch, while the large scale used samples from the Bantul Anggar Branch and the Jaya Raya Sleman Badminton Board. The data analysis technique used is qualitative and quantitative analysis, while the effectiveness test used the one-tailed paired sample t-test. This research resulted in a product in the form of a Harvard Step Test based on integrated digital technology which is equipped with a manual. The trial results and effectiveness show that the Harvard Step Test, which is based on integrated digital technology, is effective to measure physical fitness in all age groups. PENGEMBANGAN HARVARD STEP TES AN-515 BERBASIS DIGITAL TEKNOLOGI TERINTEGRASI AbstrakBagi praktisi dan akademisi di bidang olahraga, mengetahui tingkat kebugaran jasmani merupakan hal yang sangat penting. Salah satu cara mengukurnya adalah dengan menggunakan Harvard Step Test. Akan tetapi, mengukur kebugaran jasmani menggunakan Harvard Step Test manual seringkali memiliki beberapa kekurangan. Salah satunya adalah kesalahan dalam proses perhitungan denyut nadi, yang mengakibatkan hasil akhir dari pengukuran kebugaran jasmani menjadi kurang akurat. Oleh sebab itu, perlu dikembangkan alat ukur Harvard Step Test berbasis digital teknologi terintegrasi yang valid dan reliabel. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian dan pengembangan. Uji coba skala kecil menggunakan sampel dari cabang Pencak silat Pimpinan Daerah 53 Tapak Suci Klaten sebanyak 10 orang, sedangkan skala besar menggunakan sampel dari Cabang Anggar Bantul dan Pengurus Besar Bulutangkis Jaya Raya Sleman. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis kualitatif dan kuantitatif sedangkan pada uji efektivitas menggunakan uji one-tailed paired sample t-Test. Penelitian ini menghasilkan produk berupa Harvard Step Test berbasis digital teknologi terintegrasi yang dilengkapi buku panduan. Hasil ujicoba dan efektifitas menunjukkan bahwa Harvard Step Test yang berbasis digital teknologi terintegrasi efektif digunakan untuk mengukur kebugaran jasmani dalam semua kelompok usia.

The Physical Fitness Level, Heart Rate, and Heart Rate Recovery among Adolescent Smokers and Non-smokers

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness level (PFL), heart rate (HR), and HR recovery (HRR1) were expressed the physical performance of an individual which can be the excellent indicators of health. That parameter differentiates the physical condition between a smoker and a non-smoker. At present, studies about them for adolescent smokers and non-smokers are still limited. Furthermore, they can be the prediction of the health indicators in the future. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the PFL, HR, and HRR between adolescent smokers and non-smokers METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted by non-experimental and quantitative research with descriptive comparative design and cross-sectional approach. Mann–Whitney test used to describe the distinction between the PFL of students who are adolescent smokers and adolescent non-smokers. The sample data consist of 65 participants selected by purposive sampling collected using Harvard step test and manual HR measurement. RESULTS: After gathered data, we concluded that the PFL of adolescent non-smokers in our samples was significantly higher than smokers with recorded results of p = 0.001 (p < 0.05); HR1, HR60, HR90, and HR180 in adolescent smokers were higher than non-smokers with p = 0.00 (p < 0.05); there were no differences between HRR1 in adolescent smokers and non-smokers with p = 0.042 (p > 0.05). Smoking had effects on PFL and HR. CONCLUSION: The PFL and HR in adolescent non-smokers were better than in smokers but it had no effect on HRR1.

The Association Between the Physical Fitness Index and the Grade Point Average in Faculty of Medicine UMSU Students

The GPA (Grade Point Average) is the passing score for each course a student gets every semester which is currently often used as a requirement for further study students (Masters or Specialists) or applying for jobs so that the GPA is considered important to describe student intelligence during taking the educational process. Many things affect student intelligence, one of which will be discussed and proven in this study is the value of the Physical Fitness Index. This study aims to determine the relationship between the Physical Fitness Index and the GPA score of FK UMSU students. This research is an analytical study using a cross-sectional approach. The research site was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine UMSU from April to June 2020. A total of 94 subjects with male gender totaled 25 people (26.6%), women totaled 69 people (73.4%). Based on the measurement of the Physical Fitness Index which was carried out using the Harvard Step Test method, the mean value of all 2018 students was 49.57. The average GPA of all 2018 students was 3.00. Based on the results of the statistical test, the relationship between the Faculty of Medicine UMSU student body fitness index and the cumulative grade point average is p = 0.87. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no significant association between the Faculty of Medicine UMSU student body fitness index and the grade point average.

The use of heated oxygen-helium mixture in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

BACKGROUND: In recent years, along with the development of new pharmacological approaches and treatment COLD (chronic obstructive lung disease), a significant attention is paid to the study of non-medical methods of treatment and correction of the system inflammation occurring.
 AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of the use of heated oxygen-helium mixture (OHM) in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis on an outpatient polyclinic stage.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The supervision was 102 patients aged from 32 to 56 (43.74.1) years. All patients entered into research signed voluntary informed consent. Patients were divided into three groups: the first group (n=32) is the control; the second group (n=35) is the main one. Patients of these groups had a verified diagnosis: chronic obstructive bronchitis, moderate and moderate degree of obstruction, the duration of the disease amounted to 2 years to 16 (5.41.4) years. The third group (n=35) is practically healthy patients. The patients of the second and third group passed the respiratory course of heated OHM (the temperature of the mixture in the mask 50). Breathing was carried out in cyclical-fractionated mode: the breath of the mixture 5 minutes then breathing with atmospheric air 5 minutes (one cycle), 3 cycles for the procedure. The course of treatment consisted of 1 procedure per day for 10 days from the first day of the study.
 The clinical efficacy of reducing treatment was assessed before the start of therapy, after the 10th procedure in the following indicators: Harvard step test index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (heart rate), blood pressure recovery time, maximum oxygen consumption (MOC); diagnosis of psycho-emotional state using WBAM Questionnaire (well-beingactivitymood).
 RESULTS: In the group of practically healthy patients, a positive dynamics was noted in the speed of adaptive processes for the restoration of the cardiovascular system after physical exertion of the form of a decrease in blood pressure reduction time, a decrease in systolic blood pressure, the indicators of the Harvard step test index and maximum oxygen consumption increased. Patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, who passed the breathing rate of heated oxygen-helium mixture, had an increase in points on WBAM Questionnaire, which indicates the improvement of the psycho-emotional state of patients.
 CONCLUSION: The use of the course of breathing heated oxygen-helium mixture in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis does not affect the increase in physical performance. The use of heated oxygen-helium mixture has a positive effect on the functional state of practically healthy patients, which is manifested in the form of slowing the connection of the anaerobic mechanisms of energy supply in the process of performing physical exertion, leading to an increase in oxygen consumption, improving physical performance.

Higher Circulating miR-199a-5p Indicates Poor Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Associates With Cardiovascular Dysfunction During Chronic Exposure to High Altitude.

BackgroundHypoxia-induced decline in exercise capacity is ubiquitous among lowlanders who immigrated to high altitudes, which severely reduces their work efficiency and quality of life. Although studies have revealed that hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunction limits exercise capacity at high altitudes, the mechanisms have not been well explored at the molecular level. miR-199a-5p is hypoxia-sensitive and serves as an important regulator in cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, whether miR-199a-5p is involved in cardiovascular dysfunction at high altitudes and contributes to subsequent reductions in exercise capacity remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed at exploring these relationships in a high altitude population.MethodsA total of 175 lowlanders who had immigrated to an altitude of 3,800 m 2 years previously participated in the present study. The level of plasma miR-199a-5p and the concentration of serum myocardial enzymes were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Indices of cardiovascular function were examined by echocardiography. The exercise capacity was evaluated by Cooper’s 12-min run test and the Harvard Step Test. Furthermore, we explored the biological functions of miR-199a-5p with silico analysis and a biochemical test.ResultsThe level of miR-199a-5p was significantly higher in individuals with poor exercise capacity at 3,800 m, compared with those with good exercise capacity (p < 0.001). miR-199a-5p accurately identified individuals with poor exercise capacity (AUC = 0.752, p < 0.001). The level of miR-199a-5p was positively correlated with cardiovascular dysfunction indices (all, p < 0.001). Furthermore, miR-199a-5p was involved in the oxidative stress process.ConclusionIn this study, we reported for the first time that the level of circulating miR-199a-5p was positively associated with exercise capacity during chronic hypoxia at high altitudes. Moreover, higher miR-199a-5p was involved in hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunctions, thus contributing to poorer exercise endurance at high altitudes.

A gender-based comparative cross-sectional study of physical fitness index using Harvard's step test in the medical students of Western India

Background: With increasing sedentary life style, it has been seen that there is rising trend of the lower physical fitness in young adults. It is well-understood that the physical fitness can be measured with the help of the VO2 max. In the present study, the physical fitness of young girls and boys were compared. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to compare the physical fitness index (PFI) and VO2 max in young boys and girls. Materials and Methods: 150 subjects (76 males and 74 females) of age 19–23 years are subjected to Harvard step test to find their PFI. Astrand’s Nomogram is used to calculate the predicted VO2 max. These values from boys are compared with the girls. Results: The results showed that both the PFI (males 75.89 ± 13.665, females 67.91 ± 14.261) and the VO2 max (males 3.3 ± 0.76 and females 3.01 ± 0.75) are significantly low in the young girls as compared to young boys. Conclusion: We found that females have lower PFI and VO2 max. The less physical fitness in the girls is related to the presence of more body fat mass, estrogen effect, and less amount of RBC count as compared to males.

Effectiveness of physical education classes for university students in a remote format

Implementation in practice of distance learning technologies in the discipline culture with University students requires an analysis of the impact of independent training on the body of students, which is why the research is relevant. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of physical education in the context of distance learning. The research used the following methods: to identify the attitude of female students to distance learning, a questionnaire was conducted; to determine the indicator of the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system, girls were asked to conduct a Harvard step test at home; methods of mathematical statistics were used as data processing. The research was conducted with a group of second-year female students of the faculty of Humanities of Orenburg state University. The research involved 32 female students, according to the results of the survey, who have experience in sports at the school curriculum level.

Assessment of relation between Dhatusarata and Dehabala w.s.r. to Harvard Step Test

The growth and existence of the human body is dependent on these seven Dhatus. These seven Dhatus are composed of five elements or Panchmahabhutas. Dhatu Sarata or Tissue excellence is a quality assessment of seven Dhatu. Examination of Dhatu Sarata is done at physical and psychological level. For determining the Dhatu Sarata, when the positive features are present above 75 %, it will be considered as best tissue quality (Uttam Sarata). When the positive features are present between 75 % and 25 %, it will be considered as moderate tissue quality (Madhyam Sarata). When positive features are present below 25 %, it will be labeled as poor tissue quality (Heen Sarata). The bodily movements which are meant for producing firmness and strength in the body are known as Vyayama or physical exercises. „Dehabala’ (Physical fitness) of subjects will be determined by Harvard step test. “Harvard Step Test” is a practical application of Ayurvedic Principal that “Bala should be measured by Vyamshakti” (Balam Vyayamshakty Parikshet). The person should be examined with reference to his capacity for exercise which is determined by one‟s ability to perform work. Therefore this study will estimate Dehabala and study the Dhatusarata and their association between them.

Analysis of the adaptive effect in female athletes at the pre-competition stage of the annual educational and training macrocycle

Aim : assessment of the functional state of female students of the sports department of the university involved in track and field athletics at the pre-competition stage of the annual training cycle. Materials and methods . The research was carried out at the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Yaroslavl State Medical University. It was attended by 14 students from the athletics section (experimental group) and 20 students not involved in sports sections (control group). Conclusions . The analysis of the obtained data revealed practically equal anthropometric indicators in the experimental and control groups of the examined female students. During the mathematical processing of the results of functional tests, statistically significant differences were established between the indicators of the experimental and control groups of girl students. The Harvard Step test in the athletics group exceeded this indicator in the control group by 21 %. Also, in athletes, a significantly longer (by 23 %) breath holding time was found. A significantly shorter recovery time of the heart rate of female athletes after 20 squats was established, in comparison with untrained ones. The reaction to orthostasis among the athletes was satisfactory, and among the students from the control group it approached unsatisfactory. Results . The results obtained indicate a high level of physical performance and recovery processes of female athletes at the pre-competition stage of the annual training cycle. The best functional state of the cardiovascular, respiratory and vegetative-vascular nervous systems of female athletes was established in comparison with the indicators of female students who do not go in for sports.

Factors Related to Lung Function In Wood Furniture Workers In Oesapa Village, Kelapa Lima Sub District Kupang City

Workers of wooden furniture is the workers who are at risk for decreased lung function caused by exposure to wood dust in the working environment. Wood dust will enter the respiratory organs, thereby affecting lung function. Decreased pulmonary function can be seen by the method of Harvard Step Test. This research aims to analyse the relationship between age, working period, nutritional status, smoking habits, long exposure to dust, and use of PPE with lung function in wooden furniture workers in Oesapa Village, Kelapa Lima Sub District, Kupang City. The study was analytic survey with Cross Sectional approach. This research was conducted in the wood furniture industry in Oesapa Vilage, Kelapa Lima District, Kupang City in July 2020. The population in this study was 33 workers of wooden furniture. Data collection is done by questionnaire, weight measurement, height measurement and the Harvard Step Test to determine the level of lung fitness workers. Data analysis technique used is the Chi Square test with level of significance . The results showed that there was a significant relationship between age (0.002), working period (0.023), nutritional status (0.039), and use of PPE (0.016) with lung function in workers of wooden furniture. There is no relationship smoking habits (0.093), long exposureto dust (0.057) and lung function in workers of wooden furniture.&#x0D;

Effect of differential music tempo on post-exercise cardiovascular recovery parameters in hypertensive individuals: a randomised control trial

Hypertensive individuals tend to have autonomic dysfunction indicated by sympathetic dominance or delayed parasympathetic reactivation. A complimentary therapy such as music following exercise is considered to be beneficial in improving autonomic recovery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of differential music tempo on post-exercise cardiovascular recovery parameters in hypertensive individuals. Thirty hypertensive individuals were recruited for the present study which were randomly allocated to no music (n=10), slow music (n=10) and fast music (n=10) group. Participants in all three groups were subjected to submaximal exercise bout by Harvard step test. The cardiovascular recovery parameters i.e. heart rate recovery (HRR), blood pressure recovery (BPR) and rating of perceived exertion recovery (RPER) were assessed in all three groups after 1 min, 2 min and 3 min following termination of exercise. A significant decline was observed in HRR (P=0.002) and RPER (P=0.008) following exercise in slow music group as compared to fast and no music while no significant differences were observed in BPR between the three groups. The study concluded that music accelerates post-exercise recovery and slow music has greater effect as compared to fast or no music. These findings may have potential implications in the cardiovascular recovery dynamics in hypertensive individuals participating in submaximal exercise.

Physical Fitness Index of Non-Vegetarian and Lacto-Vegetarian Adults: A Comparative Study of Harvard Step Test

A pure vegetarian, consumes the food of plant origin, reportedly has lower risk of chronic diseases and may have enhanced athletic performance compared to omnivorous. Lacto-vegetarian consumes dairy products and plant-based foods where as lacto-ovo-vegetarians, being categorized as vegetarian, consumes egg as well. Considering vegan diet as healthy food habit and appropriate medication, world is directing towards vegan diet. Lacto-vegetarian and non-vegetarian participants were included in this study based on inclusion criteria from various streams; MBBS, BDS, CTEVT and a randomized cross-sectional study was performed among selected students and independent sample ‘t’ was used for analysis. Total enrolled participants (n=100), lacto-vegetarians (LV=50, male= 15, female=35) group and non-vegetarians (NV=50, male= 22, female=28) group were separated, age 16-27 years. Comparing the variables, result showed (NV=18.28±2.09, LV=19.14±1.43yrs, P=0.01), weight (NV=53.76±9.02, LV=50.16±4.82kg, P=0.01) and BMI (NV=29.63±4.49, LV=28.03±2.52kg/m2, P=0.03). Lacto-vegetarians reported greater exercise duration (NV=224.24± 52.13s, LV=248.50±42.33s, P=0.01) and physical fitness index score (NV=62.14±14.86, LV=72.41±16.80, P=0.002) which was statistically significantly. Waist circumference (77.32±4.22, 70.48±3.95, P=0.00), hip circumference (86.97±3.7, 81.76±5.65, P=0.00), waist hip ratio (0.88 ±0.04, 0.86±0.05, P=0.01), exercise duration (263.51±43.5, 220.43±44.76) and physical fitness index score (74.03±14.42, 63.3±16.61) were significantly greater in male (n=37) than female (n=63). The present study concludes, lacto-vegetarians are physically fit compared to non-vegetarian so as male compared to female.

Spleen contraction elevates hemoglobin concentration at high altitude during rest and exercise

PurposeHypoxia and exercise are known to separately trigger spleen contraction, leading to release of stored erythrocytes. We studied spleen volume and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) during rest and exercise at three altitudes.MethodsEleven healthy lowlanders did a 5-min modified Harvard step test at 1370, 3700 and 4200 m altitude. Spleen volume was measured via ultrasonic imaging and capillary Hb with Hemocue during rest and after the step test, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), expiratory CO2 (ETCO2) and respiratory rate (RR) across the test.ResultsResting spleen volume was reduced with increasing altitude and further reduced with exercise at all altitudes. Mean (SE) baseline spleen volume at 1370 m was 252 (20) mL and after exercise, it was 199 (15) mL (P < 0.01). At 3700 m, baseline spleen volume was 231 (22) mL and after exercise 166 (12) mL (P < 0.05). At 4200 m baseline volume was 210 (23) mL and after exercise 172 (20) mL (P < 0.05). After 10 min, spleen volume increased to baseline at all altitudes (NS). Baseline Hb increased with altitude from 138.9 (6.1) g/L at 1370 m, to 141.2 (4.1) at 3700 m and 152.4 (4.0) at 4200 m (P < 0.01). At all altitudes Hb increased from baseline during exercise to 146.8 (5.7) g/L at 1370 m, 150.4 (3.8) g/L at 3700 m and 157.3 (3.8) g/L at 4200 m (all P < 0.05 from baseline). Hb had returned to baseline after 10 min rest at all altitudes (NS). The spleen-derived Hb elevation during exercise was smaller at 4200 m compared to 3700 m (P < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory variables were also affected by altitude during both rest and exercise.ConclusionsThe spleen contracts and mobilizes stored red blood cells during rest at high altitude and contracts further during exercise, to increase oxygen delivery to tissues during acute hypoxia. The attenuated Hb response to exercise at the highest altitude is likely due to the greater recruitment of the spleen reserve during rest, and that maximal spleen contraction is reached with exercise.

Analysis of students’ foot pressure distribution on the ground, as well as their body balance before and after exercise

Background and Study Aim: The article presents the results of analyses of students’ foot pressure distribution on the ground, as well as their body balance before and after exercise (Harvard Step Test). The aim of the paper was to carry out a comparative analysis of foot pressure distribution on the ground, as well as assess the degree of body balance before and after exercise. With that purpose in view, the following research hypothesis was formulated: in the students participating in the study, the distribution of foot pressure on the ground and the degree of body balance differ significantly after physical effort compared with the at-rest conditions.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study encompassed n=48 students, including 37 women and 11 men. The tests were carried out using such tools as: an EPS/R1 podobarographic mat and the impedance methods – i.e. the InBody 270 body composition analyser. An analysis was performed for the parameters concerning body composition, the distribution of foot pressure on the ground, and the level of body balance.&#x0D; Results: The results obtained revealed statistically significant differences in the physiological parameters of foot arching and the functional efficiency of the body balance system under different measurement conditions that reflected the impact of effort stimuli.&#x0D; Conclusions: Significant differences reflecting the impact of the effort stimuli were expected to be achieved during the mathematical analysis of the results of podobarographic tests that allow for the assessment of the physiological parameters of foot arching and the functional efficiency of the body balance system under different measurement conditions. The authors’ assumption was mathematically and statistically confirmed by significant differences foe most of the parameters arising out of the possibilities offered by the research method applied. Comparative assessment unquestionably revealed a negative change in foot arching, as well as lower body posture stability in the female and male subjects, resulting from the physical exercise applied.

Relationship Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level And Hypertension In Japanese Olympic Athletes In Tokyo 1964; A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Few cohort studies have assessed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and incidence of hypertension among top athletes. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness level and the incidence of hypertension in Japanese Olympic athletes in Tokyo 1964. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of Japanese Olympic athletes. The participants were 156 Olympic athletes who took physical fitness tests in 1964 and followed up until 2016. A cardiorespiratory fitness level was evaluated by the Harvard Step Test (tertile). We determined the incidence of hypertension in self-reported questionnaires in 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the incidence of hypertension were obtained using logistic regression models while adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. In addition, a trend test was conducted to examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness level and hypertension. RESULTS: There were 156 participants (135 men, 21 women) with a median age of 23 years old (range: 15-33 years) in 1964. During the follow-up period, 68 participants developed hypertension. Using the lowest cardiorespiratory fitness (1st tertile) group as a reference, odds ratios and 95% CIs for the 2nd and 3rd tertiles were 0.75 (0.34-1.67) and 0.59 (0.27-1.31), respectively(p for trend = 0.19). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a low cardiorespiratory fitness level is a risk factor for the incidence of hypertension in Japanese Olympic Athletes.

Influence of osteopathic correction on the functional state of the athletes′ organism during the training process of martial arts practicing (Kendo)

Introduction. One of the widespread and massively practiced martial arts is a Kendo — a system of fencing with a Japanese sword. Herewith the training process imposes very high requirements on athletes practicing martial arts. Large physical and psychological loads often lead to overstrain of various organism systems. This worsens the functional state of the organism and causes various injuries. But very often athletes in this situation continue training and take part in competitions. As a result a further deterioration of the condition and delayed recovery of the functional state of the organism takes place, and it negatively affects sports results. In Russia, this type of martial arts is massively engaged in the first generation of athletes, so today there are no methods of treatment, recovery and medical support specially developed for this sport. Osteopathy can be a promising method of drug-free recovery and maintenance that does not require the use of complex equipment, and this method has already proved itself well in some other sports.The goal of research — to identify the somatic dysfunctions that are typical for kendoists and can affect their sports results, and to study the impact of osteopathic correction on the osteopathic status and the kendoists organism′ functional state, which determine the athletes performance.Materials and methods. 30 athletes practicing Kendo were selected to participate in the study. A simple randomization method was used to form an experimental group (15 people) who had osteopathic correction of somatic dysfunction (SD), and a control group (15 people) in which there were no any manipulations. At the beginning of the study both groups underwent osteopathic examination and assessment of the organism functional state by the Harvard step test and a breath-holding test (Genchi test). Osteopathic correction of SD in the experimental group was performed once a month for 9 months. Then the osteopathic examination and functional assessment were repeated in both groups. The obtained results were compared both within the respective groups (using the Wilcoxon test) and between groups (using the Mann–Whitney test).Results. The following regional biomechanical disorders were detected as typical for the selected Kendo athletes at the study beginning: lower extremities (structural component), thoracic region (structural and visceral component), and lumbar region (structural and visceral component). Such characteristic local somatic dysfunctions as dysfunctions of the ankle and subtalar joints were also identified. The use of SD osteopathic correction in athletes of the experimental group led to a statistically significant decrease in the SD total number (p≤0,05) compared with the control group in which osteopathic correction was not performed. The experimental group athletes had a significant decrease of the SD total number (p≤0,01) and the local somatic dysfunctions average number (p≤0,01). Functional test scores improved in both groups at the end of the study. However the functional tests indicators of the experimental group, in comparison with the control group, statistically significantly (p≤0,05) improved to a greater extent.Conclusion. The obtained data demonstrate the osteopathic correction positive effect on the practicing kendo athletes′ organism in the form of the somatic dysfunctions′ number decrease and the functional state improvement.

Cardiorespiratory Endurance on College Student Smokers Using Harvard Step Test

Purpose: The aim of this research was to identify the score of Harvard Step Test as indicator of cardiorespiratory endurance on college student smokers. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. There were 40 samples who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling. The instruments of this study were questionnaire, metronome, stop watch, and 19 inches bench. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The results showed that 47,5% of subjects had poor level, 42,5% had average level, and 10% had good level of Harvard step test. On average, 65% of subjects were light smokers, 87,5% were filtered cigarette smokers, and 65% had been smoking for 2-5 years. Conclusion: It can be concluded nearly half of college student smokers had poor Harvard step test score as indicator of cardiorespiratory endurance.

Hygienic Assessment of the Influence of Oxygen-Enriched Drinking Water on the Functional State of the Main Systems of the Human Body

Introduction. Drinking water is a necessary element of life support of the population. Many studies conducted around the world have established a relationship between the quality of drinking water and public health. On the basis of the Perm State Medical University studies were conducted to assess the effects of oxygen-enriched drinking water on human respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels. The objects of study were 32 volunteers (7 men and 25 women) aged 18 to 28. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of oxygen-enriched drinking water on the basic physiological systems of the human body and serum EPO levels of healthy volunteers. Methods. We applied the following research methods: physiological methods were used thrice (on the first, tenth and twenty-first days) to test the cardiovascular (heart rate, SBP, DBP, Kerdo index, Harvard step test), respiratory (BH, JELL, JEL, Stange and Gencha tests) and nervous (Anfimov test, SAN test, ShAS test) systems; laboratory tests of serum EPO levels in venous blood of the volunteers; and statistical methods (statistical processing was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and STATISTICA V. 7 software package (StatSoft Inc., USA). Results. The use of oxygenated water helps increase functional and reserve capabilities of the basic physiological systems of the body and improve tissue oxygenation.

Дослідження впливу занять оздоровчим плаванням на фізичний розвиток, функціональний стан і фізичну підготовленість жінок

Purpose: to study the influence of recreational swimming classes on physical development, functional state and physical preparedness of women aged 17–19. Material & Methods: data collection was carried out in the fitness groups of the Pioneer pool. A group of 15 women aged 17–19 years was formed. Classes were held for 21 weeks, 3 times a week. The duration of one lesson is 45 minutes. During the study, testing was conducted of the physical development, functional state and physical preparedness of the subjects. To analyze physical development, anthropometric data were measured; functional status was determined using the Harvard step test and heart rate measurement. Testing of physical preparedness was carried out in accordance with State tests and standards for assessing physical fitness of the population of Ukraine. The obtained quantitative data were processed by methods of mathematical statistics. Results: studies indicate that in women aged 17–19 years of health-improving swimming cause positive changes in physical development, physical preparedness and functional status. Changes in indicators are reliable. Conclusions: at the initial stage of the study, the anthropometric indicators of the respondents were age-appropriate; the physical preparedness of women aged 17–19 years on almost all indicators was at the level of unsatisfactory; Harvard step test indices were below the average. After lengthy swimming lessons, the majority of anthropometric indices of the studied contingent improved (P(t)<0,01–0,001). All indicators of physical fitness of young women improved (P(t)<0,01–0,001). Recovery processes after dosed muscular work (Harvard step test) and heart rate (P(t)<0,05–0,01) significantly improved.