Indoor Exercise Research Articles

Sunscreen formulations do not interfere with sweat cooling during exercise.

Sweating plays a critical role in maintaining thermal balance and keeping skin cool during exercise. People often wear sunscreens on hot summer days for sun protection. Most recreational sunscreens are designed to be water- and sweat-resistant, so that sweating will not remove or compromise the protection. The objective of this study was to determine whether wearing sweat-resistant sunscreen might impede natural sweating, potentially interfering with thermal regulation and resulting in the elevation of skin temperature. We conducted a controlled, randomized, split-face and split-arm clinical study with 24 female subjects wearing an SPF 70 lotion sunscreen on half of the face and an SPF 70 spray sunscreen on one of the forearms at a dosage of 2 mg cm-2 . Following sunscreen application, subjects participated in two sessions of indoor exercise to induce clearly visible sweating. We found that both skin temperatures and sweat evaporation rates were significantly elevated after each session, yet there were no significant differences in either skin temperatures or sweat rates between the treated and untreated control sites at any time point for any of the skin sites measured. We conclude that the application of tested sweat-resistant sunscreen lotions and sprays does not have any measurable effects on skin cooling by natural sweating process. People should continue to use these sunscreens during recreational activities.

Wearable Sweatband Sensor Platform Based on Gold Nanodendrite Array as Efficient Solid Contact of Ion-Selective Electrode.

As chemical sensors are in great demand for portable and wearable analytical applications, it is highly desirable to develop an all-solid-state ion-selective electrode (ISE) and reference electrode (RE) platform with simplicity and stability. Here we propose a wearable sensor platform with a new type of all-solid-state ISE based on a gold nanodendrite (AuND) array electrode as the solid contact and a poly(vinyl acetate)/inorganic salt (PVA/KCl) membrane-coated all-solid-state RE. A simple and controllable method was developed to fabricate the AuNDs on a microwell array patterned chip by one-step electrodeposition without additional processing. For the first time, the AuND electrodes with different real surface area and double layer capacitance were developed as solid contact of the Na+-ISE to investigate the relationship between performance of the ISE and surface area. As-prepared AuND-ISE with larger surface area (∼7.23 cm2) exhibited enhanced potential stability compared to those with smaller surface area (∼1.85 cm2) and to bare Au ISE. Important as the ISE, the PVA/KCl membrane-coated Ag/AgCl RE exhibited highly stable potential even after 3 months' storage. Finally, a wearable sweatband sensor platform was developed for efficient sweat collection and real-time analysis of sweat sodium during indoor exercise. This all-solid-state ISE and RE integrated sensor platform provided a very simple and reliable way to construct diverse portable and wearable devices for healthcare, sports, clinical diagnosis, and environmental analysis applications.

Physical and Emotional Benefits of Different Exercise Environments Designed for Treadmill Running.

(1) Background: Green physical activity promotes physical health and mental wellbeing and interesting questions concern effects of this information on designing indoor exercise environments. This study examined the physical and emotional effects of different nature-based environments designed for indoor treadmill running; (2) Methods: In a counterbalanced experimental design, 30 participants performed three, twenty-minute treadmill runs at a self-selected pace while viewing either a static nature image, a dynamic nature image or self-selected entertainment. Distance ran, heart rate (HR) and five pre-and post-exercise emotional states were measured; (3) Results: Participants ran farther, and with higher HRs, with self-selected entertainment compared to the two nature-based environment designs. Participants attained lowered anger, dejection, anxiety and increased excitement post exercise in all of the designed environments. Happiness increased during the two nature-based environment designs compared with self-selected entertainment; (4) Conclusions: Self-selected entertainment encouraged greater physical performances whereas running in nature-based exercise environments elicited greater happiness immediately after running.

Bone mass and nutrient intake of female collegiate athletes by exercise type

To prevent osteoporosis, it is essential to extend the peak bone mass of the growth period as well as to decrease the reasons risking bone. The nutrient intake and exercise are major factors determining the bone metabolism. Nutrient intake such as vitamin D, Ca and protein promotes bone formation and increase bone density. Ca intake in Korean young women have been known to be low. Especially, the vitamin D level are very low compared with those of other countries because of its low intake and use of sunlight blocking agent. Furthermore, high physical activity influence bone mass through increasing as well as stopping decrease of bone density. Also the type of exercise may affect bone mineral density. People performing only indoor exercise may be prone to have lower body vitamin D level, which can influence negatively bone health. The resistant exercise stimulates the increase of bone mineral density. This study was proposed to evaluate the bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femur and nutrient intake in young females by comparing the judo and Taekkun players with collegiate females. The BMD of L1, L2 and L3 was highest in judo players and higher BMD in both player groups compared to sedentary female. But the BMD of L4 and femur were highest in Taekkun players. The intake of energy, Ca and vitamin D intake were lower than KDRI in both players. The Ca and protein intake were higher in both player groups than sedentary group, but lower intakes of Se, Zn, vitamin D, folic acid, B1, B2. Although the association of BMD with intake of Ca, protein, vitamin D were shown in total subjects, among athletes, they wasn't appeared in any part of lumbar spine femur. Conclusively, the female players with high physical activity have higher BMD in lumbar spine and femur, although the essential nutrient intake for bone formation are low. The BMD showed differ by exercise type and body part.

Smart Home Design for the Elderly Living Alone with VR Technology

According to the status of the elderly population in the city and their solitary mode, compromising the merits of the virtual reality technology and pattern recognition system in the Smart Home system, integrating sensing technology, digital signal processor control technology real-time data communication technology, so as to realize the human-machine interface in the combination of virtual scene and real home environment and a Smart Home system based on virtual reality for elderly use. The system not only provides the elderly audio visual entertainments and indoor exercise experience, but also enhances more intelligent, interactive innovation system design to meet the needs of the elderly living alone on health and security.

The Effect of Aerobic Indoor Exercise Compared with Green Exercise on Different Symptoms of Depression: An Investigation of Psychological Mediators of Stress and Coping

Objectives: Considering the growing need for using a variety of new nonpharmacological methods in treating depression, this quasi experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of aerobic indoor exercise in a gym compared with green exercise in an outdoor green environment of an urban park on triple categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and to examine its psychological mediators of perceived stress and coping strategies. Methods: Forty six female outpatients with major depressive disorder were divided into 3 conditions of indoor exercise + routine pharmacotherapy (n = 15), green exercise + routine pharmacotherapy (n = 15), and a routine pharmacotherapy alone as the control group (n = 16). The exercise used for both indoor and green exercise conditions consisted of 36 one hour sessions (three times per week) with an intensity of 50% - 70% of the maximum heart rate. The participants completed the pre- and post-intervention depression, stress and coping questionnaires including Beck Depression Inventory-II, Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Results: The findings indicated a significant decrease in the post-intervention scores of all three categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and perceived stress in both exercise groups compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between two exercise groups. With respect to the use of problem-focused, emotion-focused and avoidant-focused coping methods, there was no significant difference between post-intervention scores of all groups. Conclusion: In the clinical settings, both of the indoor exercise and green exercise programs can help to further improvement in all three categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression as an adjunct (or independent) treatment to the same degree, especially mediated by reducing the amount of perceived stress, but not through any significant changes in cognitive-behavioral coping strategies.

The impact of weather on summer and winter exercise behaviors

BackgroundOutdoor exercise is an enjoyable way for individuals to improve fitness, but it is dependent on weather conditions. This study examines the association between weather conditions and outdoor exercise after adjustment for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status. MethodsWe used data representative of American adults from the University of Michigan/Thomson Reuters June 2013 surveys of consumers (core and supplement) to investigate self-reported exercise behavior in summer and winter. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models estimated the odds of delayed or indoor exercise compared with outdoor exercise. ResultsOf the 502 respondents, 16.3% did not regularly exercise outdoors (i.e., at least once a week), and many would delay exercise both in summer (51.8%) and winter (43.9%). Individuals listing rain as the predominant adverse weather condition had 3.33 times higher odds of exercising indoors (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–8.28) and 3.49 times higher odds of delaying exercise (95%CI: 1.69–7.21) compared with those mentioning heat as the predominant adverse condition. Individuals for whom ice or snow was an adverse winter weather condition were more likely to delay exercise (odds ratio (OR) = 3.34; 95%CI: 1.19–9.36), compared with those concerned with cold. ConclusionThis study found that race, age, and education exacerbate the negative effects of adverse weather conditions on the decision to exercise outdoors. Accordingly, any recommendation for an individual to exercise outdoors should be combined with an evaluation of the individual's outdoor environment along with strategies for the individual to continue exercising, indoors or outdoors, when adverse weather is present.

Indoor Microgravity Survey

There are many lab exercises for upper-level school students and freshman undergraduates to measure the value of the local acceleration due to gravity (g) near Earth's surface. In these exercises, the value of g is usually taken to be constant. The approach is often based on measuring the period of a pendulum that is inversely proportional to the square root of g. Traditional measurements of the period of a simple or inclined pendulum involve use of a stopwatch to measure the time required to complete a number of oscillations, but other more sophisticated measurement techniques for greater accuracy, such as a photogate timing system, measuring the time-dependent tension on the string, or using a stepper motor connected to a conical pendulum have been described. Using video imaging, the mechanics of objects dropped from some height has also been used to determine g. In physics courses where physical principles are applied to Earth problems, however, the goal is usually to measure a change in a potential field, such as Earth's gravitational field, in order to determine anomalous subsurface characteristics. In this paper, we describe an indoor exercise to measure the local change in g resulting from a large anomalous mass near the observation location.

Which worksite supports for healthy weight do employees use?

This paper explores factors associated with employee use of available supports for improving nutrition and activity behaviors. A cross-sectional telephone-survey assessed presence and use of available program, facility, and policy supports. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between job characteristics (e.g., supervising others) and use of available supports, adjusting for demographic characteristics. After adjustment, most supports were associated with at least one job-related factor. Participants supervising others were more likely to utilize eight supports including personal services for fitness, indoor exercise and shower facilities, and flextime for physical activity. The programs and facilities associated with the most factors were health fairs (e.g., increased likelihood with increased hours worked/week) and indoor exercise and shower facilities (e.g., increased likelihood with increased flexibility at work), respectively. Policies were associated with fewer factors. Since use of many programs and facilities differed based on job-related factors, employers might target supports based on job-related factors.

Auditory feedback improves heart rate moderation during moderate-intensity exercise.

The objective of this study is to determine whether exposure to automated HR feedback can produce improvements in the ability to regulate HR during moderate-intensity exercise and to evaluate the persistence of these improvements after feedback is removed. Twenty healthy adults performed 10 indoor exercise sessions on cycle ergometers over 5 wk after a twice-weekly schedule. During these sessions (FB), participants received auditory feedback designed to maintain HR within a personalized, moderate-intensity training zone between 70% and 80% of estimated maximum HR. All feedback was delivered via a custom mobile software application. Participants underwent an initial assessment (PREFB) to measure their ability to maintain exercise intensity defined by the training zone without use of feedback. After completing the feedback training, participants performed three additional assessments identical to PREFB at 1 wk (POST1), 2 wk (POST2), and 4 wk (POST3) after their last feedback session. Time in zone (TIZ), defined as the ratio of the time spent within the training zone divided by the overall time of exercise, rate of perceived exertion, instrumental attitudes, and affective attitudes were then evaluated to assess results using two-way, mixed-model ANOVA with sessions and gender as factors. Training with feedback significantly improved TIZ (P < 0.01) compared with PREFB. An absence of significant differences in TIZ between FB, POST1, POST2, and POST3 (P ≥ 0.35) indicated that these improvements were maintained after feedback was removed. No significant differences in rate of perceived exertion (P ≥ 0.40) or attitude measures (P ≥ 0.30) were observed. Auditory biofeedback is an effective mechanism for entraining HR regulation during moderate-intensity exercise in healthy adults.

Multi-dimensional balance training programme improves balance and gait performance in people with Parkinson's disease: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up.

Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise interventions can improve balance and gait performance in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), but most training did not targetall balance domains and was conducted mainly indoors. To investigate the short- and long-term effects of a multi-dimensional indoor and outdoor exercise programme on balance, balance confidence and gait performance in people with PD. Eligible subjects with PD were randomly assigned to an eight-week indoor and outdoor balance training (EXP, N=41) group or upper limb exercise (CON, N=43) group. Outcome measures included BESTest total and subsection scores, gait speed, dual-task timed-up-and-go (dual-task TUG) time and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) score. All outcomes were assessed before training (Pre), immediately after intervention (Post) and at six-month (FU6m) and twelve-month (FU12m) follow-ups. Immediately after training, EXP group showed more significant improvements than CON group in BESTest total and subsection scores, gait speed and dual-task TUG time (p<0.05). At both FU6m and FU12m, EXP group showed significantly greater gains than CON group in BESTest total and subsection scores and dual-task TUG time (p<0.05). EXP group also showed significantly greater increase in the gait speed than CON group at FU6m (p<0.05). The positive findings of this study provide evidence that this multi-dimensional balance training programme can enhance balance and dual-task gait performance up to 12-month follow-up in people with PD.

Design and validation of outer rotor magnetorheological brake with multiple poles

A magnetorheological brake with multiple poles and an outer rotor structure is introduced in this paper. It is designed to be used as a resistant source for bicycle training equipment. The outer rotor structures works as a roller against the bike rear wheel for indoor exercise. The key factors to affect the brake torque were found after an analysis of the magnetic circuit of the brake. Two structures with different pole numbers were simulated to find the optimal one which harmonises between the maximum output torque and the input power. Simulation results confirm the feasibility of the outer rotor magnetorheological brake concept. The optimal brake was later manufactured and experimented for validation. Its torque can be controlled precisely by an input current with a very fast response. The maximum brake torque is 5 Nm at a 0·9 A input current. Those phenomena are applicable for the bicycle training equipment. Moreover, the compact design of the brake shows advantages in weight and space reductions.

Optimizing the Quality of Life through Professional Physical Education

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the relationship between occupational stress and physical exercise in the case of 86 individuals working for a retail company. The study aims at highlighting the role of professional physical education in improving the individuals’ availability to become involved in solving work-related tasks, in improving the quality of professional performance and communication at the workplace and, all in all, in enhancing quality of life. The physical education program used in this study can be described as follows: it involved indoor exercise of moderate intensity, during at least 30minutes, 3 times a week. Given the positive results practicing physical exercise can have on various components of human psychology, we think that the concept of professional physical education should be redefined, by extending its applicability from professions involving various forms of physical activity to all domains of activity that require the achievement of professional performance.

The Analysis of Magnetorheological Brake Structure with Multiple Poles

Magnetorheological (MR) brake is broadly applied in various fields. As the increase in demand of bicycle training equipment, this paper introduces a MR brake with multiple poles and outer rotor structure, which can be used as resistant source for bicycle-training equipment. With outer-rotor structure, the MR brake is suitable to use as a roller to fit the bike rear wheel on. The equipment is specifically designed for indoor exercise for users with their bikes. Magnetic circuit of the MR brake was built and analyzed. Key factors to affect brake torque were found. After that, two structures of the MR brake with different pole number were simulated to find the optimal one to harmonize between maximum output torque and input power. The simulation results confirm the feasibility of the designed MR brake. With compact design, its braking performance is enough to be use on bicycle-training equipment.

Neural Network Model of Estimation of Body Mass Index Based on Indirect Input Factors

A well-prepared One of the main concerns of people in developing and developed societies is increasing the Body Mass Index (BMI) level. BMI, in fact can be considered as an indicator of overall health condition. Genetic aspects aside, the BMI level is affected by different factors, such as socio-economic, environmental, and physical activity level. This study investigated the effect of different factors on the BMI level of a sample population of 470 adults of three residential neighborhoods in Shiraz, Iran. The Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample T-test and One Way ANOVA were used to extract the variables which significantly influenced the BMI. The statistical analysis showed that despite the apparent association of BMI with physical activity level, it is influenced by several factors such as age, residence record, number of children, distance to bus or taxi stop, indoor or sport exercise. Then, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was applied to predict the level of personal BMI. Artificial Neural Network-based methodology results showed that the generalized estimating ANN model was satisfactory in estimating the BMI based on the introduced pattern.

Cardiac Arrest at Exercise Facilities: Implications for Placement of Automated External Defibrillators

This study sought to characterize the relative frequency, care, and survival of sudden cardiac arrest in traditional indoor exercise facilities, alternative indoor exercise sites, and other indoor sites. Little is known about the relative frequency of sudden cardiac arrest at traditional indoor exercise facilities versus other indoor locations where people engage in exercise or about the survival at these sites in comparison with other indoor locations. We examined every public indoor sudden cardiac arrest in Seattle and King County from 1996 to 2008 and categorized each event as occurring at a traditional exercise center, an alternative exercise site, or a public indoor location not used for exercise. Arrests were further defined by the classification of the site, activity performed, demographics, characteristics of treatment, and survival. For some location types, annualized site incident rates of cardiac arrests were calculated. We analyzed 849 arrests, with 52 at traditional centers, 84 at alternative exercise sites, and 713 at sites not associated with exercise. The site incident rates of arrests at indoor tennis facilities, indoor ice arenas, and bowling alleys were higher than at traditional fitness centers. Survival to hospital discharge was greater at exercise sites (56% at traditional and 45% at alternative) than at other public indoor locations (34%; p = 0.001). We observed a higher rate of cardiac arrests at some alternative exercise facilities than at traditional exercise sites. Survival was higher at exercise sites than at nonexercise indoor sites. These data have important implications for automated external defibrillator placement.

Abstract 98: Personal and Community Barriers to a Heart-healthy Lifestyle in Women

Background: Though heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States, many of them are unaware of their individual risks. Studies have shown that awareness of cardiovascular disease risk correlates with positive behavior changes, including increased physical activity and weight loss, leading to a heart-healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to assess women’s awareness of their heart disease risk and barriers to starting heart healthy behaviors, such as improved diet and exercise. Methods: The Change of Heart (COH) Program at the University of Kansas Hospital conducted a self-reported assessment on women’s perceived barriers to leading heart-healthy lifestyle. Participants (N = 157) of this study were recruited from Mid-America Cardiology and their age ranged from 29 to 78 years (M = 53 years). Additionally, participants had an average education level of college and above and the median income was greater than $60,000. The assessment included questions regarding family and other care giving responsibilities, personal perception of heart disease risk, availability of indoor exercise facilities, and community access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Results: The three most common personal barriers amongst this population were family and other care giving obligations (87%), not perceiving oneself to be at risk for heart disease (63%), and feeling too stressed to accomplish one’s tasks (51%). Additionally, the three most common community barriers were a lack of nutritional information posted on restaurant menus (32%), not having access to indoor exercising facilities (17%), and not having access to support groups, such as weight management, smoking cessation (13%). When participants were asked what their intentions to make lifestyle changes to lower heart disease risk, 66% answered either an 8 or 9 on a scale of 0 (no intention) to 10 (most intention); however, 21% of women did not or occasionally did not believe they had control over their health conditions. The majority of participants had access to fresh fruits and vegetables (66%), to smoke free restaurants and public facilities (75%), and to safe, outside, public exercises areas (61%). Conclusion: In this well-educated cohort of women, the most common barrier to leading a heart-healthy lifestyle was lack of time due to family obligations. Most women were aware that women in general needed to make healthy changes in their lives, but they did not personalize their risk. This study suggests that women, even with available resources, need to be assessed, reminded, and encouraged to develop behavioral skills and strategies (e.g. time management) to incorporate heart healthy behaviors into their lifestyle.

Sustainability of natural movement activity

In recent years, there has been a focus on reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings as a means of increasing their sustainability. As part of this trend, various health clubs and fitness centers have been designed to lower consumption of resources such as electricity and water. However, energy consumption is just one part of sustainability, with human health and economic health also paramount. When all components of sustainability are analyzed, other forms of physical activity may possess higher levels of sustainability than traditional gym exercise. Natural movement activity consists of outdoor activity that replicates movements performed by ancient humans during the Paleolithic era. A full analysis of sustainability shows that natural movement activity consumes fewer resources and provides unique psychological and physical benefits compared with traditional indoor exercise.

실내·외 운동 환경의 차이가 노년기 여성의 골밀도와 신체구성에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of indoor and outdoor exercise environments on bone mineral density and body composition in old women. A total of 26 old women were randomly divided into two groups: an indoor exercise group (IE, n=13) and an outdoor exercise group (OE, n=13). The exercise groups performed moderate exercise (HR max 50~70%; RPE 11-15) three times a week for 60 minutes over 20 weeks. After exercise training, bone mineral density was significantly improved in the OE group as compared with the IE group. Body fat mass was significantly decreased in the IE group. Weight, lean body mass, and body fat mass were significantly decreased in the OE group. Body mass index was significantly decreased in the outdoor exercise group as compared to the IE group. Our findings show that a 20-week program of outdoor exercise training improves bone mineral density and body composition in old women. As mentioned above, it has been found that engaging in an outdoor exercise program for 20 weeks has a positive effect on bone mineral density and body composition in old women. In conclusion, engaging in the outdoor exercise program, including aerobic and resistance exercises, for 20 weeks improved bone mineral density and inhibited bone loss in old women and had a positive influence on vitamin D levels, thereby potentially lowering the risk of osteoporosis.

Application of Artificial Neural Network (Ann) in Estimation of Body Mass Index (Bmi) Based on the Connection Between Environmental Factors and Physical Activity

One of the main concerns of people inmodern societies is increasing the Body Mass Index (BMI) level. BMI, in fact, can be considered as an indicator of overall health condition. Genetic aspects aside, the BMI level is affected by different factors, such as socio -economic, environmental, and physicalactivity level. This study investigated the effect of different factors on the BMI level of a sample population of 470 adults of three residential neighbourhoods in Shiraz, Iran. The Pearson correlation test, independent sample Ttest and One Way ANOVA we re used to extract the variables which significantly influenced the BMI. The statistical analysis showed that despite the apparent association of BMI with physical activity level, it is influenced by several factors such as age, residence record, number ofchildren, distance to bus or taxi stop, indoor or sport exercise. Then, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was applied to predict the level of personal BMI. The results of this analysis showed that the generalized estimating ANN model was satisfactory in estimating the BMIbased on the introduced pattern.