Improved Work Capacity Research Articles

Pre-exercise β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free-acid supplementation improves work capacity recovery: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single-dose of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA) supplementation on muscle recovery after a high-intensity exercise bout. Twenty-three trained young males were randomly assigned to receive either a single-dose supplementation of 3 g of HMB-FA (n = 12; age, 22.8 ± 3.0 years) or placebo (PLA; n = 11; age, 22.9 ± 3.1 years). A muscle damage protocol was applied 60 min after supplementation, and consisted of 7 sets of 20 drop jumps from a 60-cm box with 2-min rest intervals between sets. Muscle swelling, countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT), and work capacity (WC) were measured before, immediately after, and 24, 48, and 72 h after the exercise protocol. Muscle swelling, CMJ, and MVIT changed similarly in both groups after the exercise protocol (p < 0.001), but returned to pre-exercise levels after 24 h in both groups. WC decreased similarly in both groups after the exercise protocol (p < 0.01). For HMB-FA, WC returned to pre-exercise level 24 h after exercise protocol. However, for PLA, WC did not return to pre-exercise level even 72 h after the exercise protocol. In summary, a single-dose of HMB-FA supplementation improved WC recovery after a high-intensity exercise bout. However, HMB-FA did not affect the time-course of muscle swelling, MVIT, and CMJ recovery.

Эффекты аскорбата лития у пациентов среднего возраста со стенозирующим атеросклерозом брахиоцефальных артерий

Resume. Lithium ascorbate is a highly digestible and low-toxic lithium salt. In stis study patients with stenosing arteriosclerosis of brachiocephalic arteries were under observation (n = 70, mean age 52 years, 50 % men). In group A (n = 30), participants received standard therapy and lithium ascorbate (0.78 mg/day of elemental lithium, 8 weeks), in group B (n = 40, control) - only the standard therapy. Effects of the lithium ascorbate on the results of neuropsychological testing (Luria's technique, Schulte tables, MMSE and BDI scales, visual-spatial gnosis), levels of BDNF and the levels of trace elements in hair have been established. Lithium ascorbate contributed to a significant improvement in work capacity, mood, a decrease in the proportion of patients with 20 % cerebral stenosis, increased levels of BDNF and a decrease in the levels of toxic trace elements in the hair.

Age Peculiarities in the Disease Structure of Cosmonauts after Finishing Their Flight Activity

Age Peculiarities in the Disease Structure of Cosmonauts after Finishing Their Flight Activity

Effects of Endurance Training on Functional Status of the Respiratory Muscles in Healthy Men

AbstractIntroduction. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of an 8-week endurance training program on the functional status of the respiratory muscles and breathing efficiency.Material and methods. Thirteen healthy, untrained, male students of Physical Education volunteered to participate in the study. Before and after the subjects completed the training program, they were subjected to anthropometric and spirometric measurements, and performed an incremental stress test. The spirometric measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), active time, passive time, and diaphragm relaxation time. Measuring PImax is a simple method of evaluating the strength of the inspiratory muscles. The 8-week training program was performed on a rowing ergometer 3 times per week, using aerobic workloads.Results. The study did not confirm a significant improvement in the measured spirometric parameters following the training program. However, we observed a trend of increase in PImax values by 12 ± 21% of borderline after the training program and a significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between the changes in PImax and those in VO2 max. Following the training there was also a significant reduction in the amount of body fat by 1.4 kg and an improvement of work capacity. The response of the respiratory system to exercise was also enhanced, as breathing efficiency improved (tidal volume increased in maximal exercise, while lung ventilation, the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen, and breathing frequency decreased in submaximal exercise).Conclusions. The findings of the study suggest that traditional endurance training which is implemented over a 8 weeks is not a sufficiently strong stimulus to cause a significant increase in the strength of the inspiratory muscles.

Salt + Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration Enhances Fluid Retention More Than Salt- or Glycerol-Induced Hyperhydration.

Hyperhydration has been demonstrated to improve work capacity and cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions, enhance orthostatic tolerance, slow or neutralize bone demineralization, and decrease postdive bubble formation. Adding sodium or glycerol to a hyperhydration solution optimizes fluid retention. Sodium and glycerol produce their effect through different physiological mechanisms. If combined into a hyperhydration solution, their impact on fluid retention could potentially be greater than their singular effect. We compared the effect of salt-induced hyperhydration (SIH), glycerol-induced hyperhydration (GIH), and salt + glycerol-induced hyperhydration (SGIH) on fluid balance responses during a 3-hr passive experiment. Using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced experiment, 15 young men (22 ± 4 years) underwent three, 3-hr hyperhydration experiments during which they ingested 30ml/kg fat-free mass (FFM) of water with an artificial sweetener plus either (a)7.5g of table salt/L (SIH), (b)1.4gglycerol/kg FFM (GIH), or (c)7.5g of table salt/L + 1.4gglycerol/kg FFM (SGIH). After 3hr, there were no significant differences in plasma volume changes among experiments (SIH: 11.3% ± 9.9%; GIH: 7.6% ± 12.7%; SGIH: 11.3% ± 13.7%). Total urine production was significantly lower (SIH: 775 ± 329ml; GIH: 1,248 ± 270ml; SGIH: 551 ± 208ml) and fluid retention higher (SIH: 1,127 ± 212ml; GIH: 729 ± 115ml; SGIH: 1,435 ± 140ml) with SGIH than either GIH or SIH. Abdominal discomfort was low and not significantly different among experiments. In conclusion, results show that SGIH reduces urine production and provides more fluid retention than either SIH or GIH.

The Physiological and Ergogenic Effects of Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) Extract

ABSTRACTBackground: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a natural psychoactive substance which contains two main addictive substances; Cathine and Cathinone. Khat is widely used in east Africa and southern Arabian Peninsula. Khat chewers believe that it improves work capacity and increases energy level and alertness. That is why we aimed in this study to investigate the physiological and ergogenic effects of khat extract. Methods: This study is an experimental study conducted at the Substance Abuse Research Centre in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Thirty healthy young volunteers were randomly assigned into two experimental groups. The first group ingested 45 g of grounded khat leaves extract mixed with juice in the first session then placebo (juice only) in the second session. While the second group ingested the placebo in the first session and the grounded khat leaves with juice in the second session. Experiments were done between December 2012 and March 2013. We recorded the blood pressure, heart rate, grip strength, and reaction time every 15 min for 75 min after each ingestion. The study proposal was reviewed and approved by Research Ethics Committee (REC) of the Medical Research Centre in Jazan University. Results: The results showed the consumption of 45 g of grounded khat leaves contributed to the increase in blood pressure (SBP & DBP) and reaction time (p < 0.05); but had no significant effect on heart rate and grip strength (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that Khat has an acute effect on some physiological parameters. These findings support the prohibition of cathinone and cathine by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA, 2016).

Sustained Return to Work after Long-term Sick Leave Improves Work Ability and Quality of Life

Introduction: This prospective study describes the work ability and quality of life in workers returning from longterm sick leave (>6 months) who remained at work full time for at least 36 months. Method: Thirty-one individuals who returned to work after long-term sick leave (RTWG) due to musculoskeletal disorders and a transversal matched Control Group (CG) of 31 workers were evaluated regarding work ability and quality of life. RTWG was followed-up from first week (baseline) to 1, 3, 6, 12 and 36 months after returning. Data were analyzed descriptively and by inferential tests. The Jacobson and Truax method for clinically significant analysis was applied. Results: Although the RTWG showed lower values than the CG, significant improvement in work ability (p<0.001) and physical domain of quality of life (p<0.001) were associated with sustained work. Clinical significant changes were also identified for total quality of life and for quality of life domains. A high score of social domain was identified for RTWG at the baseline and remained high in subsequent evaluations. Conclusion: Returning to work and staying occupationally active for at least three years lead to significant improvements in work capacity and quality of life in workers who have been on long sick leave.

Neural-Dynamics-Driven Complete Area Coverage Navigation Through Cooperation of Multiple Mobile Robots

Multiple robots collaboratively achieve a common coverage goal efficiently, which can improve work capacity, share coverage tasks, and reduce completion time. In this paper, a neural dynamics (ND) approach is proposed for complete area coverage navigation by multiple robots. A bioinspired neural network (NN) is designed to model the workspace and guide a swarm of robots for the coverage mission. The dynamics of each neuron in the topologically organized NN is characterized by an ND equation. Each mobile robot regards other robots as moving obstacles. Each robot path is autonomously generated from the neural activity landscape of the NN and the previous robot position. The proposed model algorithm is computationally efficient. The feasibility is validated by simulation, comparison studies, and experiments.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ПОЗИЦИИ СОВРЕМЕННОГО СПОРТИВНОГО ПИТАНИЯ И ИХ ПРАКТИЧЕСКАЯ РЕАЛИЗАЦИЯ

sport results and maintaining health are considered. Conditions for the application of sport nutrition products for solving specific problems in the field of sport nutritional science are formulated. A new group of the considered products is developed, including biologically active supplements (BAS) and tonic beverages for highly skilled ski orienteers, swimmers, bicyclists and biathletes. Prescription formulas and technologies for producing dry beverages and tableted forms are scientifically proved. Reduced parameters of technological processes: granulation at a temperature of no higher than 40 °С, drying of granules at a temperature no higher than 60 °С, and insignificant duration of the process provide high preservation of biologically active components and their functional orientation. The developed products have been tested in manufacturing conditions at enterprises certified within the requirements of international standards and the GMP rules. The results of clinical trials of the developed products are obtained by their use in the diet of highly qualified athletes and study of indicators that characterize functional state of body and health in different periods of competitive activity. The results of the research showed that inclusion of BAS in the basic diet of athletes provides an increase in the volume and intensity of training, promotes an increase of emotional and volitional upsurge in the period of competitive activity. Mechanism of nutritional support of an organism within the preparatory, competitive and recovery periods is considered. It includes energy supply, endocrine regulation, activation of anabolic processes, improvement of vascular condition and tonus of the nervous system, increased immunity, digestion, electrolyte, amino acid-protein and fat metabolism, and supply of vitamins and minerals. Research materials allowed determining the area of using the sport nutrition products intended to improve work capacity and preserve health.

Increased Capacity for Work and Productivity After Breast Reduction.

Breast hypertrophy is a prevalent condition among women worldwide, which can affect different aspects of their quality of life. The physical and emotional impact of breast hypertrophy may harm daily activities, including work. To assess the impact of reduction mammaplasty on the ability to work and productivity of women with breast hypertrophy. A total of 60 patients with breast hypertrophy, already scheduled for breast reduction, aged 18 to 60 years and who had formal or autonomous employment were prospectively enrolled. The Brazilian versions of two validated tools, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health (WPAI-GH) and Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) were self-administered at the preoperative evaluation and six months following surgery. The median age was 33 years, median body mass index was 24 kg/m2, and the median total weight of resected breast tissue was 617.5 g. According to the Brazilian classification of occupation, most patients (53%) had technical, scientific, artistic and similar occupations. There was a significant improvement in work capacity and productivity six months after the reduction mammaplasty, denoted by a decrease in presenteeism, absenteeism, and WLQ Productivity Loss Score (Wilcoxon analysis of variance: P < .0001 for each of these domains). Reduction mammaplasty increases the work capacity and productivity of Brazilian women with breast hypertrophy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

Unilateral Approach for Bilateral Microsurgical Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Synopsis of 15 Years of Experience with this Surgical Method

Introduction The surgical aim in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is the relief of the patient's complaints by an adequate neural decompression. In a preliminary cadaver study the unilateral laminotomy for bilateral access to the lumbar spinal canal was investigated, and the experiences were evaluated in a clinical study. Material and Methods Microsurgical decompression was performed by partial resection of the ipsilateral facet, the medial portion of the laminar arch, the contralateral facet and by complete removal of the ligamentum flavum bilaterally. Anatomical, radiological and morphometrical studies on 4 adult cadaver spine specimens have proved the feasibility of this unilateral approach. Complete bilateral flavectomy and partial bilateral facetectomy were the essential surgical steps for an adequate operative decompression. The clinical practicability in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was initially confirmed in 254 patients. Results The postoperative morphometric evaluation in the cadaver study clearly demonstrates that bilateral ligamentectomy and recess decompression were adequately and successfully achieved via unilateral approach. The clinical evaluation of this technique was performed in 254 patients with symptomatic mono- or multisegmental lumbar stenosis. Postoperatively, 229 of the 254 patients with neurogenic claudication (90.2%) demonstrated a marked improvement of the walking distance. The follow-up of 249 patients (mean follow-up time was 37 months) demonstrated an excellent result without pain in 77 patients (30.9%); a good outcome with mild residual pain, but a normal working capacity in 130 patients (52.2%); and a fair outcome with unchanged postoperative low-back pain but markedly improved working capacity and walking distance in 41 patients (16.4%). There was only one patient with surgically induced, permanent neurological deterioration (0.5%). In nine patients, an inadvertent dural tear occurred, and due to unchanged symptoms three patients with a multisegmental stenosis had to be re-operated on at an additional level. During the past 15 years the author has experience with this method in over 1600 microsurgical decompression procedures. Conclusion Unilateral laminotomy and bilateral spinal canal decompression represents a safe, effective and minimally invasive surgical method and meanwhile is a routine microsurgical strategy for the treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Techno-economic Performance of Trimmer of Shallot Dry Leaves

While post-harvesting of shallot, the commodity should be released out its dried leaves to make the bulbs became clean prior to be marketed or stored. Post-harvest activities usually did manually using a knife with a working capacity of ± 10 kg / hour per person. In order to improve work capacity, this research conducted to develop a trimmer of dried leaves of shallot bulbs and evaluate the performance of the machine technically and economically. The observation parameter used to evaluate the performance of the machines was trimming output capacity, percentage of trimming, percentage of leaves which were not trimmed, impurities, and loss. Meanwhile, the parameter used for the economic evaluation was cost of trimming. Functionally, the machine that has been developed could trim the dried leaves of shallot with output capacity was 134.38 ± 5.18 kg / hour, trimming percentages was 70.80 ± 0.81%, percentage of leaves which were not trimmed was 19.58%, impurities was 8.10%, and loss was 1.52%. The cost of trimming was IDR 73.47 / kg lower than the cost of manual trimming IDR 500 / kg.

Ultraporous, Water Stable, and Breathing Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks with ftw Topology.

"Breathing" metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of soft porous crystals (SPCs) with potential for high working capacity for gas storage applications. However, most breathing MOFs have low stability and/or low surface area. Here we report a water-stable, high surface area, breathing MOF of ftw topology, NU-1105. While Zr6-oxo clusters as nodes introduce water stability in NU-1105, its high surface area and breathing character stem from its pyrene-based tetracarboxylate (Py-FP) linkers, in which the fluorene units (F) in the FP "arms" play a key role in promoting breathing behavior. During gas sorption studies, the "closed pore" (cp) ↔ "open pore" (op) transition of NU-1105 occurs at a propane pressure of ∼3 bar. At 1 bar, NU-1105 is in its cp form and adsorbs less propane than it would in its op form, highlighting improved working capacity. In situ powder X-ray diffraction during propane sorption was used to track the cp ↔ op transition, and molecular modeling was used to elucidate the structure of the op and cp forms of NU-1105. According to TD-DFT calculations, the proposed conformations of the Py-FP linkers in the op and cp forms are consistent with the measured excitation and emission spectra of the op and cp forms of NU-1105. Similar structural transitions are also observed in the porphyrinic MOF NU-1104 depending on the identity of the porphyrin core; we observed breathing behavior if the constituent Por-PTP linker is nonmetalated.

교통사고로 인한 외상 후 기질성 정신장애 환자 치험 1례

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of oriental treatments and rehabilitation on a patient with organic mental disorder after head trauma caused by traffic accident. Methods: We treated the patient with acupuncture, herb-medication, oriental psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. MMSE-K, BDI, K-MBI, FIM were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: The results indicated that MMSE-K was maintained at 27 points; BDI was reduced from 16 points to 5 points; K-MBI was increased from 75 points to 99 points; and FIM was increased from 86 points to 115 points. Furthermore, the treatment resulted in reduced mental symptoms and improved work capacity. Conclusions: Oriental medical treatment has potential validity in improving symptoms of organic mental disorder.

Prevalence of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and Associated Hearing Impairment Among School-aged Children in Yemen.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the leading causes of preventable disabling hearing impairment (DHI) in developing countries. Early detection and management complements advances made in other survival programs, improves work capacity, and enhances learning opportunities for school children. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CSOM and associated DHI among school children aged six to 16 years in Socotra Island, Yemen. We conducted a cross-sectional community-based survey, from 20 April 2011 to 20 June 2011. The study procedures involved completing a questionnaire, an otoscopic ear examination, an audiometric test of hearing, and tuning fork tests for the type of DHI. A total of 686 children were interviewed and examined for CSOM and associated DHI of CSOM cases. The prevalence of CSOM was 7.4%, (95% CI 5.5-9.4). CSOM status was significantly associated with DHI (p=0.001), but no significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and CSOM status. Logistic regression identified four significant independent contributing factors: history of ear discharge in the last 12 months (odds ratio (OR) 7.8, 95% CI 3.9-15.6); swimming in local pools (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.4-25.4); recurrent respiratory tract infection more than three times per year (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.5-11.0); and overcrowding with more than three families per house (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.5). . The burden of CSOM in the children studied indicates a high level of DHI in these communities within Yemen. A history of ear discharge, swimming in local pools, recurrent respiratory infections, and overcrowded housing were the strongest predictors for CSOM. There is a need for better ear care and screening programs for early detection and management of this disease.

Bio-active peptides (Biogro™) supplementation improves work capacity during short-term resistance exercise in men

Background Inadequate recovery between training sessions leads to fatigue and imposes a hindrance on exercise performance. Bio-Active Peptides (BAPs) supplementation has been shown to reduce recovery time between strenuous exercise bouts and improve work capacity during subsequent bouts in athletes. However, few investigations have explored the efficacy of BAP supplementation on early performance adaptations in previously untrained men.

Evaluation of exercise training on work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients

IntroductionPatients with chronic renal failure are restricted in their physical and social aspects of life because of their treatment and comorbid medical conditions.Aim of the workThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise training program on functional work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with renal failure on hemodialysis.Patients and methodsThirty patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis participated in a regular exercise training program three times/week for 12 weeks. Each exercise session consisted of a warm up, cycle or trade mill exercises, stretching exercise, and cool down. All patients were subjected to a cardiovascular graded exercise tolerance test, the sit-to-stand-to sit test, and the 6-min walk test. A questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of the study group 1 week before and after the exercise training program. Fifteen normal individuals, age and sex matched with our patients, were used as controls to compare the respiratory function.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in work capacity before and after the training exercise program, respectively (7.24 ± 0.90 to 9.62 ± 1.1; P < 0.001); also, there was a highly significant improvement in functional mobility. The QOL had improved after the exercise training program on four of five scales of the 36 questionnaire.ConclusionA suitable exercise training program is essential for improvement of work capacity and mobility, and improvement of psychological status and QOL.

Neutral impact on systolic and diastolic cardiac function of 2 years of intensified multi-intervention in type 2 diabetes: The randomized controlled Asker and Bærum Cardiovascular Diabetes (ABCD) study

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are prone to develop preclinical myocardial dysfunction, but no single strategy to prevent progression to heart failure has been established. We aimed to assess whether intensified global cardiovascular (CV) risk factor control would improve left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function as compared with standard of care. A total of 100 patients with ≥1 CV risk factor (29% female, mean ± SD age 58 ± 10 years, LV ejection fraction 63 ± 8%, 16% with LV diastolic dysfunction) were randomized to 2 years of intensified CV risk multi-intervention (INT, n = 50) or standard care (STAND, n = 50). Echocardiography, including tissue Doppler imaging, and maximum exercise test were performed at baseline and study end. Multi-intervention comprised lifestyle intervention and pharmacologic treatment to reach strict prespecified CV risk factor goals, whereas STAND group received current guideline care. Greater reductions were observed for hemoglobin A1c and total cholesterol in the INT group (P < .001 and P = .021, respectively), whereas blood pressure reduction was similar. Work capacity increased in INT and decreased in STAND (P = .014). There was no significant between-group difference in the change in any of the echocardiographic parameters. Two years of intensified multi-intervention in patients with T2D improved work capacity and glycemic and lipid control and had no significant benefit or harm on resting cardiac function.

Multidimensional associative factors for improvement in pain, function, and working capacity after rehabilitation of whiplash associated disorder: a prognostic, prospective outcome study.

BackgroundWhiplash associated disorders (WAD) have dramatic consequences for individual and public health. Risk factors for better and worse outcomes are important to optimize management. This study aimed to determine short- and mid-term associative co-factors of neck pain relief, improved physical functioning, and improved working capacity (dependent variables) in patients suffering from whiplash associated disorder who participated in a standardized, inpatient pain management program.MethodsNaturalistic, observational, prospective cohort study. Outcome was measured by standardized assessment instruments. Co-factors covered sociodemographics, comorbidities, social participation, affective health, and coping abilities. Stepwise, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed at discharge and at the 6-month follow-up.ResultsAll regression models explained high proportions of variance (53.3% – 72.1%). The corresponding baseline level was significantly associated with a change in every dependent variable (explained variances: 11.4%-56.7%). Pain relief significantly depended on improved function and vice-versa (3.4%-14.8%). Improved ability to decrease pain was associated with pain relief at discharge (9.6%). Functional improvement was associated with decreased catastrophizing (19.4%) at discharge and decreased depression (20.5%) at the 6 month follow-up.ConclusionsPain relief, improved physical function and working capacity were associated with each other. Improved coping (catastrophizing and ability to decrease pain) and reduced depression may act as important predictors for pain relief and improved function. These findings offer toe-holds for optimized therapy of chronic WAD.

Evaluation of the effect of exercise training program on work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Patients with chronic renal failure are restricted in physical and social dimensions of life because of their treatment and their comorbid medical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise training programs on functional work capacity, functional mobility, and quality of life in patients with renal failure on hemodialysis. Thirty patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis participated in a regular exercise training program three times per week for 12 weeks. Each exercise session consisted of warm up, cycle or treadmill exercises, stretching exercises, and cool down. All patients underwent the cardiovascular graded exercise tolerance test, the sit-to-stand-to-sit test, and the 6-min walk test. Questionnaires were used to assess the quality of life of the study group 1 week before and after the exercise training program. A total of 15 normal individuals who were age-matched and sex-matched with our patients were used as controls to compare the respiratory function. There was significant improvement in work capacity after the training exercise program compared with that before the program (from 7.24 ± 0.90 to 9.62 ± 1.1; P < 0.001); in addition, there was also a highly significant improvement in functional mobility. The quality of life was improved after the exercise training program according to four of five scales of 36 questionnaires. A suitable exercise training program is an important method for improvement of work capacity, mobility, psychological status, and quality of life.