Increase Physical Fitness Research Articles

Designing Android Based Physical Activities and “Lafit” to Increase Physical Fitness Level of Elderly

Designing Android Based Physical Activities and “Lafit” to Increase Physical Fitness Level of Elderly

CONSEQUENCES OF LEADING HEALTH LIFESTYLE ON LIPID PROFILE

The activity of improving and promoting health is through leading proper health behavior which includes perfect and suitable methods for health living; through leading health lifestyle; via periodic medical consultations and attending physicians for medical checkup and advice. Beside choosing balanced diet and encourage sport exercises; cessation of smoking and alcohol intake. The other aspect, that results in promoting health, longevity and quality of living through preventing of disease occurrence should be through clinical and physical examination via screening services of diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension and renal problems. All these personal activities will lead to health lifestyle, which consequently is going to minimize the diseases might occur. On conclusion, the study shows that these behavioral aspects will reduce lipid profile; blood pressure, body weight and increase physical fitness in 42% of cases and border line effect on outcome is approximately about 58% of cases and the variable that plays a role is socio – economic status

School Based Physical Activity Intervention to Reduce Obesity and Increase Physical Fitness Obese Elementary Children

Background: The prevalence of obesity is extremely high and increasing in elementary school children in the US, but recent systematic reviews have concluded that there are no simple, generalizable and successful obesity prevention strategies available. Objective: To assess whether an 8-week-school-based physical activity intervention would reduce BMI percentiles and improve physical fitness in both normal weight and obese children. Material and Methods: One hundred and one children were consented to the study (mean age 8.12 ± 0.10 years). BMI and BMI percentiles for age and gender were determined using EpiInfo. Participants were classified as Obese (OB) (n=48) if they had a BMI percentile of ≥ 95% for their age and gender. Normal weight (NW) was (n=53) classified as having a BMI percentile lower than 75% for age and gender. Intervention consisted of an 8-week enhanced physical activity program in school (100 minutes/week). Physical fitness was assessed using the FITNESSGRAM test battery. Repeated measures GLM was used to assess within and between subjects’ effects from pre- to post-testing. Results: GLM showed significant results within subject and between subject for BMI percentile, trunk lifts, push-ups, sit ups, sit and reach and the 1-mile run (p’s <0.01). However, our results also showed that there was a significant reduction in BMI percentile (0.001), weight (p=0.05) and waist/hip ratio (p=0.01) for the obese group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that an 8-week physical activity intervention was successful in improving physical fitness in NW and OB children. The 8-week program also was successful in reducing BMI percentile in the OB group. Future studies should consider increasing both the duration of the program and the sample size.

Centella asiatica (Indian Pennywort) Extract and Exercise Increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Plasma, Cognition, and Physical Fitness among Menopausal Women

Centella asiatica (Indian Pennywort) Extract and Exercise Increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Plasma, Cognition, and Physical Fitness among Menopausal Women

Periodization method of physical exercise for obese people

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, stated that obesity prevalence increased by 52%. In Indonesia, the prevalence of obesity is 21.8%. Obesity triggers an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induces chronic inflammation both locally and systemically, which can cause health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolite syndrome, and an increased risk of infection. One of the components of obesity management is increasing physical activity. One of the domains of physical activity is exercise. Exercise with the appropriate frequency, duration, intensity, type, and periodization can influence cytokine modulation so that it can reduce systemic inflammation and increase physical fitness. This evidence-based case report (EBCR) aims to determine the type of exercise periodization in obesity management and its effect on health-related fitness. The process of searching for literature on EBCR uses the PRISMA method on 3 databases, namely: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest. From the search results, it was found that the combination of endurance and strength training exercises with linear periodization 3 times a week, was found to be better in improving fitness in obese people. Linear periodization increases cardiopulmonary fitness with a relative mean difference of 17.8(0.3 to 35.3) %, maximal strength with 1 RM bench press and 1 RM leg press test also increased, and also reduce body fat percentage about 2.1(-4.8 to 0.5) %. Thus, the combination of strength and cardiorespiratory exercise with linear periodization gives a positive response to the components of health-related fitness in obese people.

Single and Especially Multisport Participation May Increase Physical Fitness in Younger Americans.

We sought to examine the associations between sports participation and physical fitness in younger Americans. The analytic sample included 1108 Americans aged 6-15 years. Muscular fitness assessments included handgrip strength, leg extension strength, and plank position. Cardiorespiratory fitness was examined with graded treadmill tests. Youth participating in any sports had increased physical fitness performance for each marker: 1.63 kg (CI: 0.91-2.35) for handgrip strength, 6.23 kg (CI: 3.15-9.32) for leg extension strength, 9.41 lbs. (CI: 4.51-14.31) for plank position held, and 3.02 mL/kg/min (CI: 1.23-4.80) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Participants engaging in a single sport had increased performance for most fitness markers: 1.52 kg (CI: 0.67-2.38) for handgrip strength, 5.16 kg (CI: 1.50-8.82) for leg extension strength, 5.98 s (CI: 0.17-11.78) for plank position held, and 2.67 mL/kg/min (CI: 0.58-4.77) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Youth engaging in multiple sports exhibited even steeper trends: 1.77 kg (CI: 0.83-2.70) for handgrip strength, 7.63 kg (CI: 3.62-11.65) for leg extension strength, 13.89 s (CI: 7.52-20.27) for plank position held, and 3.50 mL/kg/min (CI: 1.15-5.85) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Any sports participation, including single and multiple sports, is linked to increased physical fitness in American youth.

A Group-based Videoconferencing Intervention To Increase Physical Activity, Fitness, And Group Cohesion In Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE: Group-based videoconferencing presents a viable and innovative way to help cancer survivors increase physical activity (PA), improve fitness outcomes, and connect with other participants. This study examined the effects of a pilot intervention on PA, muscular endurance, and group cohesion. METHODS: Single-arm 8-week intervention, consisting of circuit-style aerobic and resistance exercise sessions 1x/week, and PA behavior change discussion sessions. All components were delivered in real time via Zoom in groups of 4-6 participants. Differences in aerobic and resistance PA (Godin-Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire), and upper and lower body muscular endurance (30 second arm curl and sit-to-stand tests) from pre- to post-intervention were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Group cohesion was measured at post-program using the PA Group Exercise Questionnaire (PAGE-Q). Median and interquartile range was calculated for total score and the subscales: attraction the group-task (ATG-T), and -social (ATG-S), group integration- task (GI-T), and -social (GI-S). RESULTS: Participants (N = 39) were M = 60 ± 10 years old, 97.4% female, and diagnosed with ovarian (56.4%), breast (30.8%) or other (12.8%) cancer. Completion rate was 89.7% (N = 35) and adherence was 88.2% for exercise and 87.0% for discussion sessions. From baseline to post-intervention, there was a difference in aerobic PA (MΔ = +82.77 ± 164.18 mins/week, p = .0059) resistance PA (MΔ + 37.37 ± 39.38 mins/week, p = .0001), number of sit-to-stand repetitions (MΔ = +1.58 ± 2.54, p = .0005) and arm curl repetitions (MΔ = +5.96 ± 7.24, p = .000). Median scores for PAGE-Q were: ATG-T = 7.5 (7-8), ATG-S = 6.2 (4.8-7.2), GI-T = 5.8 (5-6.8), GI-S = 4.5 (2.8-5.5), and Total = 5.8 (5.2-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: PA, upper and lower body muscular endurance increased following an 8-week group-based videoconference intervention. Group cohesion was lower than reported in previously published face-to-face PA interventions, but in those studies, exercise session frequency was higher (2-3x per week) and duration was longer than 8-weeks. Future studies should include a control condition to confirm the efficacy of a videoconferencing intervention, and compare group cohesion to a dose-matched face-to-face intervention.

Evaluación de actividad física como coadyuvante terapéutico para pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: una revisión.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Pharmacological treatment in IBD presents a loss of efficacy and side effects, inviting to consider alternative strategies, such as the practice of physical activity (PA), as a therapeutic adjuvant. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of PA interventions as a tool to in-crease physical fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and improve the symptomatology in patients with CD and UC, identifying the optimal PA component. The review was performed, by searching the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), SciELO, and Cochrane Library Plus, including randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that related to IBD and PA, until January 31, 2022. We found four studies with a total of 133 patients. The performance of PA in patients with IBD (UC and CD) increases (p>0.05) physical capacity, skeletal muscle mass, bone mineral density, and HRQoL, significantly (p<0.05) increasing mood. In addition, it significantly (p<0.05) decreases intestinal in-flammation and extraintestinal manifestations. A trend of reduction (p>0.05) of fatigue, blood pressure, and microbiota restoration was observed. Moderate PA and performed regularly for a minimum of eight weeks, favors the improve-ment of the IBD patient at the physical, psychological, HRQoL, and symptom-atology levels.

‘Walk Buds’: A Walking Programme to Increase Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Emotional Wellbeing, in 9-13yr Old Children with Intellectual Disability. A Study Protocol for a Clustered RCT

‘Walk Buds’: A Walking Programme to Increase Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Emotional Wellbeing, in 9-13yr Old Children with Intellectual Disability. A Study Protocol for a Clustered RCT

RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF SPORT DANCE ON PHYSICAL HEALTH IN NATIONAL FITNESS EXERCISE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports dance is widely known as a competitive game, but as a leisure activity, there is little research on the efficacy of human health and fitness. Sports dance, as a popular national fitness exercise, has sound health promotion effects. At present, domestic and foreign researches mostly focus on the impact of sports dance on young men and women. Objective: This study will explore the influence of regular physical dance exercises on the body shape, function, and quality of middle-aged and older adults, provide a scientific basis for the role of physical dance in national fitness. Methods: This study recruited 20 healthy middle-aged and elderly members of a leisure sports dance club without professional dance experience for three months of dance training. The first two weeks are pre-experiments five times a week. Each exercise time is 60 minutes. The last ten weeks are formal experiments, two times a week, 90 minutes each time, and no other physical exercises are involved in everyday life. By comparing part of the body shape, physical function, and physical fitness index before and after the experiment, the impact of sports dance on middle-aged and older adults’ healthy physical fitness is evaluated. Results: After three months of physical dance exercise with different dance styles, in male, BMI index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and thigh circumference indicators all decreased, but there was no significant difference. In women, BMI index, body fat percentage (P<0.01), waist circumference (P<0.05), diastolic blood pressure (P<0.01), sitting body forward bending (P<0.05), and standing with one foot and closed eyes all increased. In women, the indexes of grip strength (P<0.01), forward bending in sitting position (P<0.055), and standing with eyes closed on one foot all increased. Conclusions: It is suggested that long-term moderate-intensity aerobic sport dance exercise can improve the body shape of middle-aged and older adults and help increase physical fitness; meanwhile, sports dance can effectively improve the cardiovascular function of middle-aged and elderly subjects. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Rope Jumping and Tabata Exercise Effect on Lung Function and Physical Fitness Index

Background: Routine physical exercise is often used as an intervention to improve lung function and optimal lung function will improve physical fitness. This study aimed to examine the effect of rope jumping and Tabata exercise in lung function as represented in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and physical fitness index. Methods: This is an analytic comparative experimental study with pretest and posttest design, involving 60 adult male, separated into 2 groups, which are rope jumping or Tabata exercise for 2 weeks period. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of Maranatha Christian University Bandung in December 2017 to September 2018. The measured data were FEV1 and FVC using spirometry; and physical fitness index using Harvard Step Test. Data with normal distribution was analyzed using paired T Test, data with abnormal distribution using Mann-Whitney Test, and between group analysis using unpaired T Test. Result: We found a significant increase in FEV1 (P=0.017) but not FVC (P=0.151) in rope jumping grup, and a significant increase in FEV1 (P=0.010) and FVC (P=0.014) in Tabata exercise group. Both physical fitness index in rope jumping group and Tabata exercise group increase significantly (P=0.0005). There are no significant difference between rope jumping and Tabata exercise group in the effect towards FEV1 (P=0.853), FVC (P=0.876) and physical fitness (P=0.545). Conclusion: Rope jumping and Tabata exercise increase lung function and physical fitness index.

A CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF ASHWAGANDHA (WITANIA SOMNIFERA) ON QUALITY OF LIFE (WHOQOL-BREF) IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY SUBJCETS

WHOQOL- BREF is assessment of a multidimensional concept incorporating an individual’s perception of health status embedded with physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Various types of health issues are common around the globe due to improper sleep pattern and lifestyle. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is the intervention of many clinical conditions like, arresting the aging process, pro-cure the body in debilitating condition by creating a sense of mental wellbeing and increase physical fit-ness. Ashwagandha possesses Vatakaphahara, Jara Vyadhi Nashaka, Balya and Dhatu Vriddhikara prop-erties. Because of these properties, it acts not only preventive but also promotive and curative effects as well as slowdown Jara by breaking the pathogenesis. The present study was opted to analyse the health status (quality of life WHO-QOL BREF)in apparently healthy voluntary subjects. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) in apparent-ly healthy subjects. Methods: The study includes randomized, single blind controlled comparative study with pre-test and post-test design. 408 apparently healthy subjects were screened for the features of health. 108 apparently Healthy subjects were selected by considering the inclusion criteria, and categorised into two group, (Group 1- control Group and Group 2- study Group) 54 subjects in each group. Subjects in the study group consumed 12 gm of Ashwagandha Choorna (powder) once daily with milk 200ml and the control group consumed milk 200 ml daily once. WHO-QOL BREF Questionnaire was utilised for analys-ing the health status of the individuals before intervention, after intervention and follow up. Results: In the control group (n=54), the mean score overall quality of life was found to be 65.75 before intervention, af-ter complete intervention quality of life was found to be 67.55 and at the time of follow up quality of life was found 67.55. In the study group (n=54), the mean score overall quality of life was found to be 64.38 before intervention of study, after complete intervention quality of life was found to be 71.58 and at the time of follow up quality of life was found 71.61. Conclusion: In this study, subjects were improved to the higher scores among the physical, psychological domains as comparison with the environmental and social domains. Found improvement in the quality of life (WHO BREF) in study group as compared to control group.

The effect of cardio exercises on developing the strength (explosive- characterized by speed) of the muscles of the legs and arms of volleyball players

In the first section, the development in the field of sports training was discussed. Developments achieved by sporting events were the result of their reliance on the application of physical exercises. The importance of the research lies in the use of cardio exercises and applied to the research sample as special exercises to increase the strength of players and increase physical fitness. And the definition of trainers the importance of those exercises.
 1- The research objectives are represented in Prepare cardio exercises to develop explosive force and characteristic speed of the muscles of the arms and legs of volleyball players
 2-identify the impact of cardio exercises in the development of explosive power and characteristic speed of the muscles of the legs and arms of volleyball players As for the imposition of the research, there was no statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-test of the research sample. The researcher used the experimental method for one group and a sample of (18) players representing the team of education Baghdad / Rusafa first year (2016/2017). Homogeneity (8) players were selected to represent the sample of the study and who applied these exercises as well as the use of tools and devices appropriate for the research procedures and identify tests for explosive strength and distinctive speed of the arms and legs, the researcher conducted the tribal tests on the selected sample was developed Coordination and cardio exercises for 8 weeks with three training modules, and tests were conducted posteriori under the same circumstances in which tribal tests were conducted after the results were processed statistically, the researchers reached the door to the fifth set of conclusions recommendations:
 -The results of the research showed that physical training using cardio exercises was effective in developing physical abilities under investigation.
 -Research results showed that physical development using cardio exercises was reflected in performance development.
 The recommendations
 -The need for serious attention by trainers using cardio exercises in training to develop physical abilities under consideration by allocating sufficient time during the training unit.
 - The researcher recommends using these training methods to develop other physical abilities.

Does A Multiple-Sport Intervention Based on the TGfU Pedagogical Model for Physical Education Increase Physical Fitness in Primary School Children?

Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) is one of the pedagogical models used for increasing health through physical education (PE), being associated with several psychological benefits. However, only few studies have studied the effect of TGfU on physical fitness. This study aims at assessing the changes in students’ physical fitness after a six-month TGfU-based program with primary school children. A total of eight schools from the state of Sonora (Mexico) were randomly distributed into experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The final sample consisted of 188 pupils (100 boys, 88 girls; age = 10.22 ± 0.76 years) from the 5th and 6th grade. Employing a quasi-experimental design, physical fitness was assessed by means of the Eurofit test battery. At post-test, EG obtained significantly higher scores than CG in flexibility, abdominals, speed (p < 0.001), handgrip (p = 0.002), low-limb power (p = 0.032), and cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.048). Our findings suggest that TGfU can be a valid alternative to traditional methodologies not only when the aim of a PE unit is to stimulate the cognitive domain, but also for the development of physical fitness attributes that may help pupils develop in a comprehensive manner.

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F-09 Thematic Poster - Novel Strategies to Increase Physical Activity and Fitness Friday, May 29, 2020, 1: 00 PM - 3: 00 PM Room: CC-2010

Effects of Regular Taekwondo Intervention on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Myokines in Overweight and Obese Adolescents.

Purpose: Regular exercise can alleviate oxidative stress related to obesity and can induce secretion of myokines that are involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. There are no studies examining changes in these variables as a result of Taekwondo training intervention. We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on oxidative stress and myokine levels in overweight and obese adolescents. Methods: We randomly assigned 20 overweight and obese adolescents to control (control group; CG, n = 10) and experimental (experimental group; EG, n = 10) groups. The EG performed Taekwondo training five times a week for 16 weeks. Physical parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI)), physical fitness (maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (cardiorespiratory endurance), grip and leg strength (muscular strength), sit-and-reach (flexibility), Sargent jump (power), and stork stand test (balance)) were measured before and after intervention. We measured levels of serum oxidative stress markers (plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and myokines (serum interleukin-15 (IL-15), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, and myostatin). Results: The weight and BMI in the EG after intervention were significantly lower and leg strength (muscular strength), sit-and-reach (flexibility), and Sargent jump (power) were significantly improved compared to those of the CG (p < 0.05). There were no significant interaction effects in terms of height, VO2 max, grip strength, or stork stand test (p > 0.05). The SOD and BDNF level after intervention were significantly higher in the EG after the intervention, whereas MDA and irisin levels were significantly lower than those of the CG (p < 0.05). There were no significant interaction effects in terms of serum IL-15 and myostatin levels (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Taekwondo training can reduce obesity and increase physical fitness with respect to muscular strength, flexibility, and power as well as alleviate oxidative stress and modulate myokine secretion in adolescents.

The effect of social interaction and environment on aerobic dance on salivary cortisol

IntroductionAerobic dance can reduce individual stress response levels and its psychosomatic symptoms, and increase physical fitness. The effect of social interaction and the environment is also considered prominent for reducing stress. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of social interaction and the environment when practising aerobic dance on reducing stress among first-rate university students in Indonesia.MethodsThe study involved 16 students (8 males and 8 females) aged 18–20 years. All participants took a series of indoor and outdoor tests. In the indoor-test phase, they did indoor aerobic dance without communicating with one another, while in the outdoor-test phase, they did outdoor aerobic dance and were allowed to interact with one another. The subjects underwent 3 measurements: salivary cortisol was assessed before and after the aerobic dance in the indoor and outdoor test; heart rate was evaluated during the aerobic dance; and rating of perceived exertion was established immediately after each participant had finished the aerobic dance.ResultsOne-way ANOVA statistical test showed a significant difference between indoor-test and outdoor-test conditions in the measurement of salivary cortisol after the intervention (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001). Independent t-test also revealed a significant difference between both conditions (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001).ConclusionsMore communicative social interactions and conducive outdoor environments that allowed a direct contact with nature in doing aerobic dance had a significant effect in reducing cortisol awakening response in salivary cortisol measurements.

Impact on Physical Fitness of the Chinese CHAMPS: A Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: School physical activity (PA) policy, physical education curriculum, teacher training, knowledge of physical fitness, and parental support are among the key issues underlying the declining trend of physical fitness in children and adolescents. The Chinese CHAMPS was a multi-faceted intervention program to maximize the opportunities for moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and increase physical fitness in middle school students. The purpose of the study was to test whether the levels of modification in school physical education policy and curriculum incrementally influenced the changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and other physical fitness outcomes. Methods: This 8-month study was a clustered randomized controlled trial using a 2 × 2 factorial design. The participants were 680 7th grade students (mean age = 12.66 years) enrolled in 12 middle schools that were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions: school physical education intervention (SPE), afterschool program intervention (ASP), SPE+ASP, and control. Targeted behaviors of the Chinese CHAMPS were the student’s sedentary behavior and MVPA. The study outcomes were assessed by a test battery of physical fitness at the baseline and posttest. Sedentary behavior and MVPA were measured in randomly selected students using observations and accelerometry. Results: The terms contrasting the pooled effect of SPE, ASP, and SPE+ASP vs. Control, the pooled effect of SPE and SPE+ASP vs. ASP only, and the effect of SPE+ASP vs. ASP on CRF and other physical fitness outcomes were all significant after adjusting for covariates, supporting the study hypothesis. Process evaluation demonstrated high fidelity of the intervention in the targeted students’ behaviors. Conclusions: Chinese CHAMPS demonstrated the impact of varying the amount of MVPA and vigorous physical activity (VPA) on the physical fitness in middle school students in support of the need to increase the opportunity for PA in schools and to introduce high-intensity exercises in school-based PA programs. Modification of school policy, quality of physical education curriculum, and teacher training were important moderators of the improvement in physical fitness. (Trial registration: ChiCTR-IOR-14005388, the Childhood Health; Activity and Motor Performance Study).

High-Intensity Walking Time Is a Key Determinant to Increase Physical Fitness and Improve Health Outcomes After Interval Walking Training in Middle-Aged and Older People

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of interval walking training (IWT) on the estimated peak aerobic capacity (eV˙O2peak) and lifestyle-related disease (LSD) score while focusing on exercise intensity and volume in middle-aged and older people. Participants and MethodsMen and women (N=679; mean age, 65±7 SD years) completed 5-month IWT. Participants were instructed to repeat 5 or more sets of fast and slow walking for 3 minutes each at 70% or more and 40% eV˙O2peak for walking, respectively, per day for 4 or more d/wk. This study was conducted from April 1, 2005, through February 29, 2008. ResultsInterval walking training increased eV˙O2peak by 14% and decreased LSD score by 17% on average (P<.001). During 5-month IWT, fast and slow walking times were 88±65 SD and 100±86 min/wk, respectively, but varied among participants. We divided participants into approximately 10 bins for 6 minutes each of fast and slow walking times per week up to 60 min/wk, and above this time, approximately 8 bins for 30 or 60 minutes each of fast and slow walking up to the maximal time. We found that both eV˙O2peak and LSD score improved as fast walking time per week increased up to 50 min/wk (R2=0.94; P<.001 for eV˙O2peak; R2=0.51; P=.03 for LSDS) but plateaued above this time. In contrast, improvement in neither eV˙O2peak nor LSDS was positively correlated with slow or total walking time per week. Multiple regression analyses confirmed that fast walking time per week was the major determinant of improvements in eV˙O2peak (P<.001) and LSD score (P=.001). ConclusionHigh-intensity walking time during IWT is a key factor to increase eV˙O2peak and decrease LSD score in middle-aged and older people.

Traditional Medicine: Usage of Herbal Remedies and Doubtful Treatment or a Powerful Healing Force?

Alternative medicine is an approach to healing used in place of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine, on the other hand, is used together with conventional medicine. For example, if a special diet is used to treat cancer in place of surgery recommended by a conventional doctor, the diet would serve as an alternative therapy. However, if a special diet were used to combat high cholesterol levels in a patient with heart disease, in addition to coronary artery bypass surgery, the diet would serve as a complementary therapy. Since the same therapy can serve as either complementary or alternative, the various therapies outside the domain of conventional medicine are often grouped together under the term CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies. The increasing interest in alternative medicine, which attempts to treat a patient‟s body, mind, and spirit, can be viewed as a measure of the spiritual hunger in our high-tech society. The desire within the medical community to integrate treatments for a patient‟s spiritual needs as well as physical needs is validating the importance of pastoral care in the hospital setting. Perhaps an approach to healing that makes use of the strengths of both conventional medicine and alternative medicine would enable a person to experience the best of both medical worlds. The forms of alternative medicine with scientific backing could be used to maintain health and increase physical fitness, while conventional medicine could be used to accurately diagnose and eradicate disease. Certain cautions, however, should be observed.