Leg Endurance Research Articles

Enhancing Leg Endurance using Strengthening and Aerobic Exercises

Enhancing Leg Endurance using Strengthening and Aerobic Exercises

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON LOWER EXTREMITY POWER, STRENGTH, ENDURANCE AND KICKING SPEED IN MALE COLLEGE SOCCER PLAYERS

This study investigated the effects of 6 weeks plyometric training [PT] on leg power and strength, and kicking velocity. Nineteen male soccer players (age = 19.2 + 1.3 years) were randomly assigned into control group (CG, n=9) and experimental group (EG, n=10) after pre-tests on the five measures (maximal ball velocity (MBV), squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ], squat test [ST], and isokinetic leg strength.). Both groups performed similar bi-weekly soccer training program (technical, tactical, and matches) together, and EG also performed PT twice per week. Wilcoxon signed-rank test on the pre-test median scores between EG and CG showed insignificant differences in kicking speed, leg power, leg strength, and leg endurance. However, significant post-test comparison was found for leg strength (U=19.0, p=0.034) between EG and CG. In the pre and post-test comparisons, EG showed significant gains relative to CG in MBV (p < .05, d = 1.37), leg power (p < .05, d = 0.97), and leg strength (p < .05, d = 0.95) while CG only achieved significant improvement in the MBV (P < .05, d = 1.16). It concludes that adding plyometric training to regular soccer training improved leg strength in college soccer players.

Student-Athlete Burnout: A Division I Women’s Soccer Coach’s Perspective

The importance of resistance training (Conley & Pennington, 2022; Pennington, 2020) cardiovascular fitness (Pennington, 2015; 2016), and anaerobic power (Pennington, 2014) cannot be overstated for individuals enlisted in our country’s armed forces. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the new branch wide fitness test designed to replace the outdated Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) (USAPHC TG 358, n.d.). The APFT was implemented in 1980 as the measure of Service Member (SM) fitness. However, this test is very limited in scope and failed to tell unit commanders how ready their SMs were for the rigors of a combat environment (US Army ACFT Field Testing Manual, n.d.). The APFT was a gender-based test that consisted of three events: a two-minute pushup evaluation to measure upper body endurance. The second event was a two-minute sit up evaluation to measure core and hip flexor endurance. While the final evaluation was a two-mile timed run, which was designed to test aerobic endurance and leg endurance. This test was simple to set up and administer but, it was not a good metric to judge SM’s actual fitness in a combat environment. If a SM had good endurance than he or she would max the test with ease. This is not a complete reflection of what is required in a combat environment. In a combat environment the SM will be loaded down with a rifle, helmet, rucksack, plate carrier, water, and ammo which often exceeds 80 pounds. The new ACFT which is still being implemented into the forces as of the writing of this paper is a much better test as it has more events to it which measure soldier strength and ability to move while under load.

MEDIA WEIGHTED JACKET DAN WEIGHTED BELT UNTUK KEKUATAN TUNGKAI ATLET POLO AIR : STUDI LITERATUR

Water polo is a full body contact sport. It is the combination of swimming, rugby, soccer, and basketball. The basic skills to be mastered in water polo are swimming, water trapping, and ball controlling using hands while floating in the water supported by egg-beater foot movement, where the leg endurance is the main point to perfect this technique. Athletes need leg endurance to float and swim during the game. This study is a literature review aimed at analyzing water polo athletes’ training using weighted jacket and weighted belt in water on their strength and leg endurance. The data were collected from research results published in national and international journals from 1991 to 2019. Therefore, the data were analyzed using content analysis. The review result revealed that the strategy to combine weighted jacket and weighted belt to train water polo athletes’ leg endurance was more effective. Weighted belts were worn around the athlete's waist, and heavy objects that were generally used for scuba diving were placed on belts. On the other hand, weighted jackets must be placed directly below the waist and the weight is suspended between the legs. The jacket with soft, durable, and waterproof material can be adjusted to the athlete's body size. The use of weighted jacket and weighted belt training media in water polo affected the strength and leg endurance of water polo athletes directly.

Management of Physiotherapy Using Pilates Exercise to Increase Balance in Patient with Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Diabetes Melitus (DM) tipe 2 adalah gangguan metabolisme yang ditandai dengan peningkatan gula darah karena penurunan sekresi insulin oleh sel beta pankreas dan atau penurunan fungsi insulin (resistensi insulin). Pasien dengan DM tipe 2 mengalami gangguan keseimbangan yang menghambat aktivitas hidup sehari-hari, sehingga pasien harus diberikan penanganan yang tepat, salah satunya menggunakan pilates exercise. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penatalaksanaan pilates exercise pada penderita gangguan keseimbangan akibat DM tipe 2. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode studi kasus dengan 1 orang responden menggunakan alat ukur Berg Balance Scale (BBS) untuk mengukur keseimbangan. Hasil dari penelitian yang dilakukan di Kelurahan Pelambuan, Kota Banjarmasin ialah pilates exercise selama 18 kali terapi dalam 6 minggu dengan durasi selama 30 menit dapat meningkatkan keseimbangan pasien DM tipe 2. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah pilates exercise dapat meningkatkan keseimbangan pasien DM tipe 2 karena latihan ini mampu meningkatkan kekuatan otot, termasuk otot core dan otot trunk serta disertai dengan stabilitas vertebra dan peningkatan daya tahan kaki yang akan mencegah serta mengurangi kesalahan reposisi sendi, sehingga meningkatkan keseimbangan.

Tyre-pulling as concurrent training

Concurrent training has gained popularity as a health-promoting activity. The focus of this study was to investigate the feasibility of tyre-pulling as a strength and endurance training exercise. Thirty-four volunteered participants accepted to comply with an 8-week training program, and were by drawing lots divided into three groups: long-distance training, high-intensity interval training and control groups. The long-distance group exercised 60 min at 75–85% of HRmax three times a week. The high-intensity interval group also exercised three times a week with 10 intervals of 20 s and a rest of 10 s in an all-out intensity. The control group continued their ordinary activities. A test battery, measuring arm and leg strength, core strength, and endurance, were taken at the beginning and after 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and spirometry test were performed likewise. The high-intensity group had increased maximal oxygen uptake by 2.6 (2.2) mL kg−1 min−1. The number of repetitions in arm strength increased with 4.2 (3.5), for leg strength, the increase was 7.9 (9.2) repetitions. Leg strength increased in the long-distance group with 13.6 (14.7) repetitions and core strength increased with 30.3 (34.0), p ≤ 0.05. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Tyre-pulling is feasible for training endurance and strength at both low and high intensities.

IZOKINETINIŲ IR TRADICINIŲ JĖGOS TRENIRUOČIŲ ĮTAKA MOTERŲ BLAUZDOS LENKIAMŲJŲ RAUMENŲ FUNKCINEI BŪKLEI

Tyrimo tikslas - įvertinti moterų blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų jėgos ir ištvermės rodiklių pokyčius po skirtingų treniruočių programų. Tyrime dalyvavo 100 atsitiktinės atrankos būdu atrinktų 18 – 22 metų amžiaus moterų. Tiriamosios suskirstytos į kontrolinę (n = 50), pirmą (n = 25) ir antrą (n = 25) grupę. Kontrolinės grupės moterys stebėtos tiriamuoju periodu, neįtraukiant jų į treniruočių programą. Pirma grupė atliko tradicinių jėgos pratimų programą, antra grupė - izokinetinių treniruočių programą blauzdos tiesiamiesiems ir lenkiamiesiems raumenims lavinti. Visos moterys ištirtos tyrimo pradžioje ir pabaigoje. Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad tiek tradicinių jėgos pratimų, tiek izokinetinių treniruočių programa padidino moterų blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų jėgą (p<0,05) palyginus su kontroline grupe. Antroje tiriamųjų grupėje, po izokinetinių treniruočių programos, blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų jėga padidėjo 16,64 proc. nedominuojančioje ir 18,50 proc. dominuojančioje kojoje (p<0,05). Pirmos grupės tiriamosioms, atlikusioms tradicinių jėgos pratimų programą, 9 proc. padidėjo dominuojančios kojos raumenų jėga (p<0,05). Izokinetinės treniruotės taip pat padidino blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų ištvermę: nedominuojančioje kojoje 39,77 proc., dominuojančioje - 33,52 (p<0,05). Pirmos grupės tiriamųjų, atlikusių tradicinių jėgos pratimų programą, dominuojančios kojos raumenų ištvermė padidėjo 9,50 proc. (p<0,05). Kontrolinės grupės moterų nedominuojančios kojos ištvermės rodiklis stebimuoju periodu sumažėjo. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad izokinetinė treniruotė buvo efektyvesnė nei tradicinių jėgos pratimų programa ir reikšmingiau padidino blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų jėgos ir ištvermės rodiklius. Po izokinetinių treniruočių blauzdos lenkiamųjų raumenų jėga padidėjo 18,50 proc., ištvermė - 39,77 proc.

4650m 상당의 평압·저산소 조건에서 근지구성 운동이 심박변이도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extreme normobaric hypoxia exposure corresponding to 4650m altitude on heart rate variability during muscular endurance exercise. In a cross-over design, 19 young (21.7±2.4years) healthy males were asked to perform the isokinetic leg endurance exercise twice in hypoxia and control(sea level) condition with a week interval. Subjects assigned to the hypoxia condition group was breathed in hypoxia air corresponding to 4,650m altitude condition for 30minutes through the hypoxic control device(Altrainer, SMTEC Sports & Medical Technologies SA, Nyon, Switzerland). Each Subject conducted iso-kinetic knee flexion and extension exercise at 180°/sec, 10bouts, and 10sets using isokinetic dynamometer(Biodex system 4, Medical System Inc, USA). The parameters of heart rate variability were obtained from both time-and frequency domain analysis of 5min EC G recording at rest, post exercise, and post 10min(3 time) after exercise. Mean RR interval and its standard deviation(SDNN), the mean square successive differences(RMSSD), the low and high frequency components were calculated as normalized units. Arterial oxygen saturation was also measured by pulse oximetry at rest, post exercise, and post 10minute. The results were as follows. First, following the hypoxia exposure a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation was found(p.05). Second, analysis of HRV revealed a significant increase in sympathetic activity and a significant decrease in parasympathetic activity following muscular endurance exercise both group(p0.1~0.05). Third, no significantly different in parameters of HRV was not found between the hypoxia group and the control group. These findings suggest that the dropped level of arterial oxygen saturation induced by hypoxia exposure may not affect heart rate variability at resting status, during exercise and recovery period. The results also showed that exercise itself rather than status of blood might have more powerful effect on autonomic nerve activities.

The Physical Profile of Elite Boardercross Snowboarders

Boardercross Snowboarding is an increasingly popular sport where snowboarders race through a downhill course for the fastest time. Boardercross has recently become an Olympic Sport; however, limited data exists regarding these athletes’ physical characteristics. PURPOSE: This study gathered data to further define the physical profile of an elite boardercross snowboarder so that coaches and athletes will be more able to set training benchmarks and identify athlete potential. METHODS: NorAm level boardercross snowboarders (n=10 males; n=9 females) completed a series of tests designed to measure anthropometrics and parameters important to physical performance. Each participant’s height and weight were measured. Body fat percentage was measured using skin fold calipers. The MBASS test was used to measure dynamic balance. A vertical jump test was used to assess leg power. A T-Test was used to measure speed and agility. A one-minute 12-inch soft hurdle jump test was used to measure lower body muscular endurance. A one-minute sit-up test was used to measure core endurance. RESULTS: Body height and mass were: males 176.4±7.0 cm and 75.4±11.3 kg, females 164.1±6.1 cm and 60.8±10.2 kg. Body fat percentage for males and females was 11.6%±4.5% and 18.9%±6.4%. MBASS error scores were dominant/non-dominant leg: males 23.1±22.4/33.9±22.5, females 15.9±16.67/31.1±25.21. Male leg power (mean and peak) was 1,538.2±334.8 and 4,402.9±722.7 watts. Female leg power (mean and peak) was 778.2±216.1 and 2,634.6±350.1 watts. Male and female T-test times were 11.43±0.60 and 12.57±0.89 seconds. Leg endurance test scores were 85.3±14.0 (male) and 59.6±8.4 (female) jumps. Male and female core endurance test scores were 37.8±8.4 and 36.9±6.5 sit-ups. CONCLUSION: In the future, additional data sets from other boardercross athletes should be added to this existing set and attempt to quantify the relationship between physical performance measures (as collected in this study) and actual NorAm competition rankings.

Skeletal muscle mass adjusted by height correlated better with muscular functions than that adjusted by body weight in defining sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, characterized by low muscle mass and function, results in frailty, comorbidities and mortality. However, its prevalence varies according to the different criteria used in its diagnosis. This cross-sectional study investigated the difference in the number of sarcopenia cases recorded by two different measurement methods of low muscle mass to determine which measurement was better. We recruited 878 (54.2% female) individuals aged over 65 years and obtained their body composition and functional parameters. Low muscle mass was defined as two standard deviations below either the mean height-adjusted (hSMI) or weight-adjusted (wSMI) muscle mass of a young reference group. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.7% vs. 0.4% (male/female) by hSMI, and 4.0% vs. 10.7% (male/female) by wSMI. The κ coefficients for these two criteria were 0.39 vs. 0.03 (male/female), and 0.17 in all subjects. Serum myostatin levels correlated positively with gait speed (r = 0.142, p = 0.007) after adjustment for gender. hSMI correlated with grip strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, leg endurance, gait speed, and flexibility. wSMI correlated with grip strength, leg endurance, gait speed, and flexibility. Since hSMI correlated more closely with grip strength and more muscular functions, we recommend hSMI in the diagnosis of low muscle mass.

Strength, Endurance, Throwing Velocity and in-Water Jump Performance of Elite German Water Polo Players.

The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) to assess the eggbeater kick and throwing performance using a number of water polo specific tests, 2) to explore the relation between the eggbeater kick and throwing performance, and 3) to investigate the relation between the eggbeater kick in the water and strength tests performed in a controlled laboratory setting in elite water polo players. Fifteen male water polo players of the German National Team completed dynamic and isometric strength tests for muscle groups (adductor, abductor, abdominal, pectoralis) frequently used during water polo. After these laboratory strength tests, six water polo specific in-water tests were conducted. The eggbeater kick assessed leg endurance and agility, maximal throwing velocity and jump height. A 400 m test and a sprint test examined aerobic and anaerobic performance. The strongest correlation was found between jump height and arm length (p < 0.001, r = 0.89). The laboratory diagnostics of important muscles showed positive correlations with the results of the in-water tests (p < 0.05, r = 0.52–0.70). Muscular strength of the adductor, abdominal and pectoralis muscles was positively related to in-water endurance agility as assessed by the eggbeater kick (p < 0.05; r = 0.53–0.66). Findings from the current study emphasize the need to assess indices of water polo performance both in and out of the water as well as the relation among these parameters to best assess the complex profile of water polo players.

Physical strength is associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores in Spanish institutionalized elderly

The present cross-sectional study aimed at assessing muscle strength of hands, the dominant arm and legs in Spanish institutionalized elderly people according to sex, age and cognitive status. A total of 153 elderly subjects (102 females, 51 males, mean age 83.6 ± 6.8 years) living in the region of Madrid were measured for handgrip strength (kg) with a Takei TKK 5101 digital dynamometer (range 5-100 kg, precision 0.1 kg), and arm and leg endurance strength (repetitions) according to the Rikli and Jones tests. Cognitive status was determined with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The values for men and women were, respectively: 23.5 ± 7.3 kg and 11.6 ± 4.6 kg (right handgrip), 22.0 ± 7.8 kg and 10.7 ± 4.8 kg (left handgrip), 13 ± 5 and 10 ± 5 repetitions (arm strength), 8 ± 5 and 5 ± 4 repetitions (legs strength), and 21 ± 6 and 17 ± 7 (MMSE score). All parameters were significantly higher for men (P ≤ 0.01), but strength decline with age was less pronounced in women. In all MMSE groups, lower strength was associated with lower cognitive status. Strength values were lower in older subjects in both sexes; this difference was higher in men than in women. Higher strength values were associated with better cognitive status, which was the most influencing variable, even more than sex and age.

Functional Outcome After Antegrade Femoral Nailing: A Comparison of Trochanteric Fossa Versus Tip of Greater Trochanter Entry Point

This study was performed to explore the relationship between entry point-related soft tissue damage in antegrade femoral nailing and the functional outcome in patients with a proximal third femoral shaft fracture. Retrospective clinical trial. Level I university trauma center. Seventeen patients with a high femoral shaft fracture treated with an antegrade femoral nail joined the study. Nine patients with an Unreamed Femoral Nail (UFN; Synthes, Bettlach, Switzerland) inserted at the trochanteric fossa and eight patients with a long Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN; Synthes) inserted at the tip of the greater trochanter. Pain, gait, nerve, and muscle function along with endurance. Five patients with a UFN had a positive Trendelenburg sign and a reinnervated superior gluteal nerve after initial injury of the nerve at operation. None of these findings occurred in the long PFN group (P = 0.01). Isokinetic measurements showed diminished abduction as well as external rotator function in the UFN group rather than in the long PFN group. Leg endurance was significantly lower in patients with a UFN. Compared with the trochanteric fossa, femoral nailing through the greater trochanter tip may decrease the risk of damage to the superior gluteal nerve and intraoperative damage to the muscular apparatus of the hip region, resulting in some improved muscle function. Therefore, a lateral entry point may be a rational alternative for conventional nailing through the trochanteric fossa.

Physiological fitness and health adaptations from purposeful training using off-road vehicles

The purpose of this study was to evaluate fitness and health adaptations from a training program riding all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and off-road motorcycles (ORM) as the exercise stimulus. Participants (n=58) were randomized to a control group (n=12) or one of four experimental groups; 2days/week ATV (n=11), 2days/week ORM (n=12), 4days/week ATV (n=11), or 4days/week ORM (n=12). Aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, body composition, clinical health, and quality of life (QOL) were compared at baseline and following 6weeks of training. In all riding groups, there were improvements in blood pressure (SBP=9.4±10.1, DBP=5.8±6.2mmHg), fasting glucose (0.5±0.7mmol/l), subcutaneous adiposity (0.9±1.1%), body mass (0.7±2.7kg), waist circumference (1.3±2.5cm), and isometric leg endurance (26±44s). All changes were of moderate to large magnitude (Cohen's d 0.52-0.94) with the exception of a small loss of body mass (Cohen's d=0.27). Although changes occurred in the riding groups for aerobic power (2.9±4.6mlkg(-1)min(-1)), leg power (172±486w), and curl-ups (13.2±22.7), these changes were not significantly different from the control group. No significant alterations occurred in resting heart rate, trunk flexibility, back endurance, hand grip strength, long jump, pull/push strength, or push-up ability as a result of training. Physical domain QOL increased in all 2days/week riders but mental domain QOL increased in all ORM, but not ATV riders regardless of volume. Ambient carbon monoxide levels while riding (<30ppm) were within safe exposure guidelines. Positive adaptations can be gained from a training program using off-road vehicle riding as the exercise stimulus.

Effects of Swiss-Ball Core Strength Training on Strength, Endurance, Flexibility, and Balance in Sedentary Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Swiss-ball core strength training on trunk extensor (abdominal)/flexor (lower back) and lower limb extensor (quadriceps)/flexor (hamstring) muscular strength, abdominal, lower back and leg endurance, flexibility and dynamic balance in sedentary women (n = 21; age = 34 ± 8.09; height = 1.63 ± 6.91 cm; weight = 64 ± 8.69 kg) trained for 45 minutes, 3 d·wk-1 for 12 weeks. Results of multivariate analysis revealed significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between pre and postmeasures of 60 and 90° s trunk flexion/extension, 60 and 240° s-1 lower limb flexion/extension (Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer), abdominal endurance (curl-up test), lower back muscular endurance (modified Sorensen test), lower limb endurance (repetitive squat test), lower back flexibility (sit and reach test), and dynamic balance (functional reach test). The results support the fact that Swiss-ball core strength training exercises can be used to provide improvement in the aforementioned measures in sedentary women. In conclusion, this study provides practical implications for sedentary individuals, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists who can benefit from core strength training with Swiss balls.

Comprehensive evaluation of a single-stage submaximal treadmill walking protocol in healthy, middle-aged women

Cardiorespiratory fitness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in women; however, maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) protocols are not always feasible. The Evaluation of Physical Activity Measures in Middle-Aged Women Study was a 6-week study designed to evaluate six physical activity (PA) measures in women, aged 45-65years. We investigated the Ebbeling submaximal treadmill (EbbTM) protocol's ability to reflect an active lifestyle in 66 women [median (IQR) age, 51.0 (48.0, 56.5) years]. Participants were screened using ACSM and AHA guidelines and classified as moderate or low cardiovascular risk. VO(2max) was estimated using the EbbTM in all participants (TEST1). Moderate risk women repeated the EbbTM (TEST2) while low risk completed a maximal treadmill test. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC(90)) score were calculated to examine reliability. Spearman rank order or Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between estimated VO(2max) and physical fitness and activity measures. Estimated VO(2max) from the EbbTM protocol had excellent reproducibility [ICC=0.95 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.98) and MDC(90) was 1.62mLkg(-1)min(-1). The EbbTM protocol was associated with measured VO(2max) (ρ=0.48; p=0.01) and was positively correlated with moderate- (ρ=0.32; p=0.02), vigorous- (ρ=0.47; p=0.0005) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (ρ=0.36; p=0.009), pedometer steps (ρ=0.41; p=0.002) and inversely correlated with waist circumference (ρ=-0.58; p<0.0001), body fat (ρ=-0.55; p<0.0001), and right leg endurance (ρ=-0.41; p=0.003). The EbbTM protocol was shown to be reliable and associated with objective measures of fitness and PA in healthy, middle-aged women.

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Therapy on Physical Functions in the Elderly

Purpose: Designed to examine the effects of aerobic exercise therapy on elders' physical functions. Methods: Selectedfromanelderly welfarecenter inanagricultural district located inN City. Thirtysevenelderswereselected in the experimental and 38 in the control group, and all the subjects aged over 65. Collected data were statistically analyzed by SPSS/PC 12.0Win. Detaileddataanalysis methods were Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test, Mann-Whitney u-test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Results: first hypothesis The experimental who had the aerobic exercise therapy will have greater development in lower leg muscular strength compared to the control group was supported (t=8.95, p<.001). second hypothesis Aerobic exercise therapy participants will show greater development in lower leg endurance was supported (t=6.12, p<.001). third hypothesis Aerobic exercise therapy participants will show greater development in flexibility was supported (U=49.00, p<.001). forth hypothesis Aerobic exercise therapy participants will show greater development in balance was supported (U=322.00, p<.001). Conclusion: aerobic exercise therapy showed positive effects on physical functions of the elderly in a rural area.

Physical capacity of rescue personnel in the mining industry

BackgroundThe mining industry has one of the highest occupational rates of serious injury and fatality. Mine staff involved with rescue operations are often required to respond to physically challenging situations. This paper describes the physical attributes of mining rescue personnel.Methods91 rescue personnel (34 ± 8.6 yrs, 1.79 ± 0.07 m, 90 ± 15.0 kg) participating in the Queensland Mines Rescue Challenge completed a series of health-related and rescue-related fitness tasks. Health-related tasks comprised measurements of aerobic capacity (VO2max), abdominal endurance, abdominal strength, flexibility, lower back strength, leg strength, elbow flexion strength, shoulder strength, lower back endurance, and leg endurance. Rescue-related tasks comprised an incremental carry (IC), coal shovel (CS), and a hose drag (HD), completed in this order.ResultsCardiovascular (VO2max) and muscular endurance was average or below average compared with the general population. Isometric strength did not decline with age. The rescue-related tasks were all extremely demanding with heart rate responses averaging greater than 88% of age predicted maximal heart rates. Heart rate recovery responses were more discriminating than heart rates recorded during the tasks, indicating the hose drag as the most physically demanding of the tasks.ConclusionRelying on actual rescues or mining related work to provide adequate training is generally insufficient to maintain, let alone increase, physical fitness. It is therefore recommended that standards of required physical fitness be developed and mines rescue personnel undergo regularly training (and assessment) in order to maintain these standards.

노년 전기 여성 고령자 체격 및 활동체력의 10년간 시대차

The purpose of this study was to examine chronological trends in functional capacity-related physical fitness over a decade. A group of 207 women and another group of 137 one, who were healthy with ages from 65 to 74 years and residents of the city of Jinju, were recruited from local wellness centers at the years of 1996 and 2006, respectively. Basic physique measures (i.e., weight and height) and functional capacity-related physical fitness (i.e., muscular strength and endurance, walking ability, agility, dynamic balance, hands coordination, balance, flexibility) were measured by using the standardized protocols. For comparison purposes, we classified the participants as either group 1 or group 2; group 1 was defined as those who aged from 65 to 69 years, and group 2 as those who aged from 70 to 74 years. From this study, we found the following results; 1. Regardless of age-based groups, physique including mean height and weight increased significantly from 1996 to 2006; the group 1 (aged from 65 to 69 years) had average increases of 1.77㎝ and 2.16㎏ of height and weight, respectively, and the group 2 (aged from 70 to 74 years) had average increases of 1.3㎝ and 2.86㎏ of height and weight, respectively. 2. Similarly, functional capacity-related physical fitness including muscular strength, arm endurance, walking ability, agility/dynamic balance, hands coordination, balance also increased significantly from 1996 to 2006. But there were declining tendencies in lower body endurance and flexibility at the same time period. In conclusion, the current findings of the study suggest that 1) a modification of the standard activity fitness evaluation would be necessary in order to more appropriately reflect the chronological trends in the functional capacity-related physical fitness of old women, and 2) specialized exercise programs targeting at leg endurance and flexibility improvements are urgently needed to developed for those populations.

Effects of dynamic upper-body exercise on lower-limb isometric endurance

Following preliminary indications that in some individuals arm exercise enhanced rather than reduced simultaneous leg endurance, ten young men and women performed three forms of intermittent work to volitional exhaustion, under duty cycles of 45 s work, 15 s rest. The protocols were as follows: (A) knee extensions at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC); (B) 30% MVC knee extensions combined with arm cranking at 130% of their own lactate threshold; (C) combined 30% MVC knee extensions and arm cranking at 20% of their own lactate threshold. Heart rate, oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2), and blood lactate concentration were among the variables recorded throughout. All physiological indicators of demand were substantially higher in protocol B than in protocols A or C [heart rate: (A) 154 beats · min−1, (B) 171 beats · min−1, (C) 150 beats · min−1; [Vdot]O2: (A) 11.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1, (B) 21.7 ml · kg−1 · min−1, (C) 14.2 ml · kg−1 · min−1; blood lactate concentration: (A) 3.3 mmol · l−1, (B) 5.1 mmol · l−1, (C) 2.8 mmol · l−1], yet there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the endurance times between the three conditions [(A) 11.43 min, (B) 11.1 min, (C) 10.57 min] and seven participants endured longest in protocol B. Results from protocol (C) cast doubt on explanations in terms of psychological distraction. We suggest that lactic acid produced by the arms is shuttled to the legs and acts there either as a supplementary fuel source or as an antagonist to the depressing effects of increased potassium concentration.