Normal Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Hypotensive Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training in Older Adults.

Although regular exercise can help reduce blood pressure, older adults often struggle with adhering to land-based exercise due to barriers such as arthritis pain, functional limitations, and fear of falling. Aquatic exercise is a good alternative mode of exercise that may reduce barriers and improve adherence. However, limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in reducing blood pressure in older adults with isolated systolic hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week aquatic exercise program on arterial blood pressure in older adults. Twenty-five participants were randomized to a control (n=12, 81±8 years) or aquatic exercise group (n=13, 83±7 years). The exercise group received aquatic cognitive-motor training at a moderate-intensity for 45 minutes per session three times per week for eight weeks. The non-exercising control group received a one-hour fall prevention seminar and was asked to maintain their normal physical activity level. Baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. After eight weeks, the exercise group had reductions in systolic blood pressure (135±11 vs. 126±13 mmHg, p<0.01) and pulse pressure (68±8 vs. 60±8 mmHg, p<0.01) without significant change in diastolic blood pressure. There were no significant changes in the control group. Aquatic cognitive-motor training performed at a moderate-intensity was effective in inducing clinically meaningful reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in older adults.

Physical development of adolescents with different levels of motor activity

As part of the study, the physical development of adolescents was evaluated depending on the level of daily motor activity and individual anthropometric indicators of professional athletes. The physical development indicators of 423 boys aged 16 to 18 years were analyzed, which were divided into 3 groups depending on the level of daily physical activity: professional athletes, with additional physical activity, with the usual level of physical activity. The data were collected as a result of a routine medical examination in the period from June to October 2022. The results showed that children aged 16 and 17 with a normal level of motor activity were statistically significantly lower and had less body weight compared to the other groups. The analysis of the fatness index also confirmed the data obtained in the age group of 18‑year-olds. The largest proportion of children (at 16 years — 17.6 %; at 17 years — 33, %) with disharmonious or distinct disharmonious physical development was revealed in the group of children with normal physical activity; no cases of distinct disharmonious level of physical development were found among adolescent athletes. Statistically significant differences in anthropometric indicators among professionally engaged in sports adolescents aged 16 to 18 years were not revealed, while in children with a normal level of physical activity in these age groups, changes in indicators are pronounced, which may indicate an earlier and smoother biological development of adolescent athletes. The use of mass-growth indicators makes it possible to more accurately assess the achieved level of physical development and the level of its harmony.

Effect of Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy on Canines' Functional Pelvic Position and Locomotion.

Simple SummaryRemoval of the femoral head and neck is a common surgical procedure used to provide pain relief in dogs with severe hip-related diseases. We investigated the chronic effect of the surgery on movement and position of the pelvis. Dog owners completed a questionnaire regarding their dog’s rehabilitation. An orthopaedic examination, anatomical measurements, and pressure-sensitive walkway analysis were conducted on all of the dogs. According to the questionnaire results, nine of ten dogs had returned to normal physical activity level, and the owners of the dogs considered the outcome of the surgery to be good or excellent. However, the dogs had less muscle mass, less hip extension, and less weight bearing on the operated limb when standing. The trot of the dogs was unaffected; no differences emerged between the operated and non-operated limb regarding length of stance or swing time of step or weight bearing during step. Pelvic position did not change in a specific way; i.e., the pelvis did not tilt towards or away from the surgically treated limb.The long-term effect of femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO) on the locomotory system of dogs was evaluated. The study comprised an owner questionnaire and an orthopaedic examination, anatomical measurements, and pressure-sensitive walkway analysis for dogs. Linear mixed effect models were used for statistical analysis. Ten dogs with a median of 2.5 years since their unilateral FHO were included. According to the questionnaire results, nine dogs had returned to a normal physical activity level. Muscle atrophy (p = 0.005), less extension in the coxofemoral joint (p = 0.003), and less static weight bearing on the FHO limb (p = 0.003) were observed. No consistent pattern regarding tilt or position of the pelvis was noted when measuring height of the tuber ischii (p = 0.39). Five of the dogs tilted away from, and five towards the FHO side when measured from the tuber sacrale with a Myrin goniometer. No differences regarding stance time, swing time, or peak pressure between the FHO and non-FHO limb were seen in trot (p = 0.70, p = 0.26, and p = 0.91, respectively). Over the long term, the FHO limb has muscle atrophy, decreased coxofemoral extension, and decreased static weight bearing. However, this does not seem to affect the trot of the dogs. Dog owners considered the outcome of surgery to be good or excellent.

Healthy aging and muscle function are positively associated with NAD+ abundance in humans.

Skeletal muscle is greatly affected by aging, resulting in a loss of metabolic and physical function. However, the underlying molecular processes and how (lack of) physical activity is involved in age-related metabolic decline in muscle function in humans is largely unknown. Here, we compared, in a cross-sectional study, the muscle metabolome from young to older adults, whereby the older adults were exercise trained, had normal physical activity levels or were physically impaired. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) was one of the most prominent metabolites that was lower in older adults, in line with preclinical models. This lower level was even more pronounced in impaired older individuals, and conversely, exercise-trained older individuals had NAD+ levels that were more similar to those found in younger individuals. NAD+ abundance positively correlated with average number of steps per day and mitochondrial and muscle functioning. Our work suggests that a clear association exists between NAD+ and health status in human aging.

HEALTH AND SKILLS RELATED FITNESS INDICATORS IN ALBANIAN CHILDREN – REFERENCE VALUES FROM A COUNTRY IN TRANSITION

&lt;p&gt;The aims of this study were to analyze age and gender differences for health-related fitness, physical activity and gross motor coordination level in Albanian children. Data consisted of a cross-sectional study of 1176 children between first and fourth grade elementary school (618 boys and 558 girls) aged 7-10 years old). Anthropometrics (body mass and height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, % body fat), level of gross motor coordination (Korperkoordinationstest fur Kinder, KTK) and physical activity by questionnaire (PAQ-C) were assessed. Gross motor coordination and physical activity level increased until 9 years of age and then declined. Significant gender differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found for body mass, BMI and waist circumference where boys were heavier, had higher BMI scores and had greater values in waist circumference measurement then girls. Data obtained from this study showed that boys and girls in all age group fell into the normal level of physical activity. The results from this investigation study reveal strong evidence that children in Albania show motor difficulties in everyday skills (moderate motor disorder-31.2% and severe motor disorder-8%. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0994/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Effects of 2-Week 16:8-Hour Intermittent Fasting on Body Composition: Case Study

Intermittent fasting is a form of nutrition dieting in which an individual is allotted an amount of time to consume food throughout the day. Intermittent fasting has been shown to acutely change an individual’s body composition as an effective intervention. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of 2-week 16:8-hour intermittent fasting on body composition. Participants ages ranged from 21-24 years, with a total of four (males: 3, female: 1), all college aged students. All participants were involved in regular exercise but had no previous experience of intermittent fasting. Each participant consumed their normal dietary intake till day of pre-intervention testing but were told to be in a fasted state before undergoing baseline testing. A glucometer was used to evaluate fasted blood glucose. Blood pressure was determined by using a manual cuff. A stadiometer was used to measure participants height and weight. A flexible tape measure was used to determine the waist and hip circumferences, which were used to determine the waist to hip ratio. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Calipers were used to determine body composition. Participants maintained normal physical activity levels, and logged volume and intensities in the MyFitnessPal application. Participants followed an isocaloric intake. Participants followed a 16:8 ratio, with a 16 hour fast and 8 hours allotted to consume food. Participants followed the intermittent fasting diet for a total of two weeks. Post-intervention was reevaluated at the two-week mark following intervention start. Data was presented as mean ± standard deviation and determined by descriptive analysis. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; .05. The results may indicate that intermittent fasting with a 16:8 ratio can decrease body mass and resting blood pressure in young individuals. Due to COVID-19, limitations were placed allotting only 2 weeks for intervention and for smaller sample size. For future research, study would be increased to 8 weeks with an increased sample size up.

Bilateral Quadriceps Tendon Repair with Suture Anchors: Case Series.

Bilateral and simultaneous quadriceps tendon rupture is rarely observed. This case series evaluates 3 patients with bilateral ruptures of the quadriceps tendon. The purpose of this case series is to display the effectiveness of the suture anchor surgical repair technique in these patients. Three obese male patients experienced some type of traumatic injury to the knee extensor mechanism, resulting in bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures. Each of the patients was evaluated and given operative and nonoperative treatment options, and they all elected to undergo surgical tendon repair. Two double-loaded anchors were placed into the superior pole of the patella, allowing the tendons to be reduced back to their original positioning. Postoperatively, all patients were given the same guidelines for physical therapy, and their progress was monitored periodically. Each patient returned to his normal level of physical activity. Range of motion at the knee and weight bearing were reestablished in all 3 patients. These quadriceps tendon ruptures occurred in patients with a predisposition to injury as a result of excessive weight bearing. When addressing bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures in this patient population, we found that a suture anchor-based construct allows for a secure repair, early initiation of physical therapy, and a noted improvement in pain scores on the Visual Analog Scale.

Do teenagers return to normal physical activity levels after limb fractures? A longitudinal, accelerometry-based, activity monitoring study.

PurposeThis study aimed to elucidate whether levels of physical activity (PA) return to normal after bone healing or whether long-term behavioural changes in PA are to be expected in children and teenagers who have sustained limb fractures.MethodsIn all, 100 children and teenagers with a first episode of limb fracture and 100 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (CTRL) were recruited for a prospective study. PA in limb fracture patients was assessed at 18-month follow-up using accelerometer measurements, and values were compared with those of CTRL. Time spent in PA at different levels of intensity was determined for each participant and expressed in minutes and as a percentage of total validly measured time.ResultsMean levels of PA at different levels of intensity by previously injured children and teenagers were similar than CTRL (42 sets of paired data). However, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was lower than 60 minutes among limb-fracture patients at 18-month follow-up.ConclusionThe amount of skeletal loading in children and teenagers returns to normal values by 18 months after limb fracture. Even if time spent in MVPA is not significantly lower in children and teenagers with limb fractures, it no longer reached the international recommendations for school-aged children (MVPA > 60 minutes), which may be interpreted as a lifestyle modification or a behavioural change to avoid new trauma.Level of EvidenceII

Effect of BMI, Food Preference and Working Pattern on Coronary Heart Disease in the Southern Region of Bangladesh

Abstract Background: In present study focused on to detect the effect of BMI, food preference, and working pattern on coronary heart disease aged between (30-80) years old male and female in southern region of Bangladesh. Methods: Data were collected by questionnaires on the basis of sex, age, BMI, physical activity, hypertension, family history, food preferences, lipid profile test, smoking habit and presence or absence of other disease like diabetes. All data were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 240 respondents of male and female diagnosed by coronary heart disease were selected randomly to collected data. Among them male were 188 and 52 were female. This study also indicates that increased body weight, hypertension, smoking, sedentary life style related factors, including poor dietary habits, excess saturated and trans fat, high salt intake, and low-level physical activity may be important as well and family history of cardiac diseases are influential risk factors for CHD. Most of patients’ affected by excessive overweight; 60.1% male and 61.5% female were suffer from diabetics which proved that Diabetic is often liable to affect CHD; 62.2% male and 65.4% female respondents gain heart disease from family; On the contrary the rate of CHD affected male were 73.40% who were involved in normal physical activity level; 56.9% male do smoke all time. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that increasing body weight, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits or food preferences, poor lifestyle is correlated with CHD and males are more vulnerable to CHD than females.

Experimentally increasing sedentary behavior results in decreased sleep quality among young adults

ObjectiveSleep has been shown to influence cardiometabolic function, and physical activity and sedentary behavior have both been shown to epidemiologically influence sleep. However, no study has experimentally evaluated the effects of sedentary behavior on sleep quality, which was this study's purpose. MethodsThis study employed a 2-group parallel randomized controlled intervention protocol; young adult (18–35 years old) participants confirmed to be active were randomly assigned into a sedentary behavior intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 13). The intervention group was asked to minimize steps to ≤5000 steps/day for one week whereas the control group was asked to continue normal physical activity levels for one week. Both groups completed the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index (PSQI) pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group resumed normal physical activity levels for one week post-intervention. ResultsA significant group × time interaction effect was observed (F = 4.49, P = 0.04), with contrast tests indicating significant PSQI change score in the intervention group. Specifically, PSQI scores significantly decreased by 3.16 points (representing improved sleep quality) from Visit 2 to Visit 3 (P < 0.001) in the intervention group. ConclusionActive young adults who removed structured exercise and significantly decreased their step counts (e.g., increased their amount of time spent being sedentary) for one week experienced significant decreases in sleep quality. The present findings underscore the importance of maintaining regular physical activity for optimal sleep quality.

A Prospective Observational Study on Changes in Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Self-efficacy in Perioperative Patients with Gastric Cancer

Background: Patients undergoing major surgery often experience “post-operative dysfunction”, which may affect their physical strength and mental activity for a significant period post-operatively. We aimed to clarify the post-operative changes in physical activity, quality of life, and self-efficacy in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy were assessed in subjects using self-administered questionnaires before surgery, at discharge, and 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. Post-operative parameters were compared to baseline data using the Friedman test with Bonferroni correction, as well as the Wilcoxon two-sample test. Results: Seventeen subjects were included. Dietary intake and number of steps walked significantly decreased for up to 1 month after discharge, whereas physical activity of ≥3 metabolic equivalents of task and exercise-expended energy were lowest at discharge. These differences were all statistically significant. Importantly, the patients did subsequently improve. Body mass index did not differ significantly at discharge, but showed a gradual, significant decrease at 1 and 3 months after discharge. With respect to health-related quality of life, the physical, role, and social functions decreased significantly for a month after surgery, whereas symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, and diarrhea were significantly severe during the first month after discharge. Self-efficacy in terms of symptoms, activities of daily living, and disease status significantly decreased at discharge, but subsequently improved. Conclusions: Patients with gastric cancer showed lower dietary intake and body mass index up to 1 and 3 months after discharge, respectively. Physical activity and self-efficacy were lowest at discharge but improved subsequently. It is necessary, both preoperatively and in the first month following discharge, to provide patients with support that encourages self-management of physical changes and symptoms, and a return to normal levels of physical activity.

The association between physical inactivity and other behavioural risk factors of the development of chronic non-communicative diseases among the students

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between the physical inactivity and other behavioural risk factors of the development of chronic non- communicable diseases among the young persons. A total of 216 1-2 grade students at the mean age of 18.8±1.3 years including 136 women and 80 men educated at A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, were recruited for the examination. The participants in the study were found to be at high risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases associated with their behavioral patterns, such as smoking and delivery (37.5% among the young men and 42.6% among the women). The bioimpedance observations revealed the augmentation of the body fat weight, the reduction of muscle mass, and the impairment of basal metabolism under the influence of hypodynamia that was also responsible for the change of homeostasis parameters revealed based on the results of the complete blood cell count. The sex-specific differences and those associated with physical activity were apparent in the prevalence of selected risk factors. The majority of the men characterized by the normal level of physical activity show the lowest occurrence of nutrition-related risk factors. However, it is the girls having no signs of hypodynamia that most frequently tend to calculate the nutritional value of their diet and follow the healthy meal strategies. The girls exhibiting the signs of physical inactivity present with the enlarged hip circumference whereas the hypodynamic men tend to show the enlarged waist circumference. The present study has demonstrated that nutritional motivation of the students depends on the level of their physical activity and smoking habits. Low physical activity appears to be responsible for the changes in the body composition and affects the parameters of homeostasis determined from the complete blood cell count. At the same time, the physical exercises are known to either prevent or slow down the development of many chronic non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disorders. This observation opens up the prospects for the prevention of such pathology by involving the students exhibiting the low level of physical activity in the physiotherapeutic programs. On the other hand, sports activities may contribute to socialization of the students by erasing the boundaries between those «fit» and «unfit» for such behaviour. Taken together, these considerations emphasize the necessity of the specialized programs for the students with the low level of physical activity and hypodynamia. The present study has demonstrated the signs of hypodynamia in 37.5 and 43.6% of the young men and women respectively.

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Glycemic Indices and Peripheral Blood Flow in Type II Diabetic Patients.

Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a regime of training on a vibration platform that provides oscillatory movement to the body. Vibration training may be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy to control diabetes and its complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of WBV on glycemic indices and peripheral blood flow in type II diabetic patients. A parallel group clinical trial was conducted with 1:1 allocation ratio at Khon Kaen University between February and May 2010. The study included diabetic patients receiving diet or oral medication control over the previous year and excluded patients with serious medical and musculoskeletal disorders. Forty type II diabetic patients [14 males, 26 females, 63.2 (7.7) y, mean (SD)] were randomised into two groups (WBV and control) by computer software using a block of four design. The WBV group was given two sets of six one-minute vibration squats, three times per week for twelve weeks. The control group maintained their normal physical activity levels. The primary outcome was the patients glycemic indices. We found no significant difference in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar, insulin level and insulin sensitivity between WBV and control groups. Compared to the control group, WBV training resulted in a substantial reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure -7.1 mmHg (95% CI: -10.9, -3.3, P = 0.001) and peak systolic velocity -7.3 cm.sec-1 (95% CI: -14.7, -0.03, P = 0.049), but made little difference to resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end diastolic velocity, and popliteal artery diameter. Whole body vibration improved resting diastolic blood pressure and peak systolic velocity, however, any beneficial effect of WBV on glycemic indices remains unclear.

Effects of a Sedentary Behavior–Inducing Randomized Controlled Intervention on Depression and Mood Profile in Active Young Adults

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a free-living, sedentary behavior–inducing randomized controlled intervention on depression and mood profile. Patients and MethodsParticipants who were confirmed to be active via self-report and accelerometry were randomly assigned to either a sedentary behavior intervention group (n=26) or a control group (n=13) by using a 2:1 sample size ratio for intervention and control groups. The intervention group was asked to eliminate all exercise and minimize steps to 5000 or less steps/d for 1 week, whereas the control group was asked to continue normal physical activity levels for 1 week. Both groups completed a depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and mood (Profile of Moods States) survey preintervention and immediately postintervention. The intervention group was asked to resume normal physical activity levels for 1 week postintervention and then completed the assessments for a third time. All data collection occurred between September 1, 2015, and December 1, 2015. ResultsPatient Health Questionnaire-9 group × time interaction analysis revealed that depression scores significantly increased from visit 1 to visit 2 (F=11.85; P=.001). Paired t tests comparing depression scores from visit 2 to visit 3 exhibited a significant decrease from visit 2 to visit 3 (P<.001). Profile of Moods States group × time interaction analysis paralleled depression results; mood scores significantly increased from visit 1 to visit 2 (F=10.03; P=.003) and significantly decreased from visit 2 to visit 3 (P<.001). ConclusionA 1-week sedentary behavior–inducing intervention has deleterious effects on depression and mood. To prevent mental health decline in active individuals, consistent regular physical activity may be necessary.

Experimentally increasing sedentary behavior results in increased anxiety in an active young adult population

IntroductionKnowledge regarding the effects of sedentary behavior on anxiety has resulted mainly from observational studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a free-living, sedentary behavior-inducing randomized controlled intervention on anxiety symptoms. MethodsParticipants confirmed to be active (i.e., acquiring 150min/week of physical activity) via self-report and accelerometry were randomly assigned into a sedentary behavior intervention group (n=26) or a control group (n=13). For one week, the intervention group eliminated exercise and minimized steps to ≤5000 steps/day whereas the control group continued their normal physical activity levels. Both groups completed the Overall Anxiety Severity Impairment Scale (OASIS) pre- and post-intervention, with higher OASIS scores indicating worse overall anxiety. The intervention group resumed normal physical activity levels for one week post-intervention and then completed the survey once more. ResultsA significant group x time interaction effect was observed (F(1,37)=11.13; P=.002), with post-hoc contrast tests indicating increased OASIS scores in the intervention group in Visit 2 compared with Visit 1. That is, we observed an increase in anxiety levels when participants increased their sedentary behavior. OASIS scores significantly decreased from Visit 2 to Visit 3 (P=.001) in the intervention group. ConclusionA one-week sedentary behavior-inducing intervention has deleterious effects on anxiety in an active, young adult population. To prevent elevated anxiety levels among active individuals, consistent regular physical activity may be necessary. Clinicians treating inactive patients who have anxiety may recommend a physical activity program in addition to any other prescribed treatment.

Association between Premenstrual Syndrome and Daily Physical Activity Levels

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and daily physical activity. Methods: Three hundred forty-nine women (18-50 years) were analyzed. We investigated body mass index, PMS symptoms, physical activity level, and some factors related to PMS (age, sleep time, caffeine intake, alcohol intake, smoking status). Participants were grouped according to physical activity level into low, normal, and high physical activity groups. Binominal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between PMS and daily physical activity level. Results: The average physical activity levels of the low, normal and high physical activity groups were 301.4 ± 233.8 kcal, 975.0 ± 187.3 kcal, and 4558.7 ± 3798.5 kcal, respectively. The incidence of PMS was higher in both the low physical activity group (OR=2.45, 95% CI=1.18-5.11) and high physical activity group (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.01-4.50) than in the normal physical activity group. Conclusion: PMS rates were higher in women who have either low or high daily physical activity levels than in those with normal physical activity levels. Therefore, women should be advised to avoid inactivity or excessive daily physical activity.

Effects of physical activity on sclerostin concentrations.

The study included 50 women of the Regional Menopause and Osteoporosis Centre of the WAM Teaching Hospital, at the age of 50-75 years with the diagnosis of osteopenia, obtained on the basis of hip and/or lumbar spine densitometry (T-score from -1.0 to -2.5 SD). During the initial 12 weeks (between point 1 and 2), the patients maintained their previous, normal level of physical activity. During subsequent 12 weeks (between point 2 and 3), a programme of exercise was implemented. The programme included the interval training on a bicycle ergometer, three times a week for 36 minutes. During the entire study duration, all the patients received a supplementation of calcium (500 mg) and vit. D3 (1800 IU) once daily. Serum levels of OC, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), β-CTX and sclerostin were assayed at 3 time points. After the course of the exercise cycle, the OC concentration was increased, sclerostin levels decreased, while no statistical differences were observed in β-CTX levels vs. the period of physical inactivity. No correlations were found between sclerostin level changes and osteocalcin level changes during the training time, because of too small groups. Neither statistically significant were the differences in alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus levels. The obtained results emphasise the role of physical training as an effective stimulation method of bone formation processes in women with osteopenia. Sclerostin can be a marker of physical activity. < /p > < p >.

High-intensity interval training without weight loss improves exercise but not basal or insulin-induced metabolism in overweight/obese African American women.

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to determine the effect of a 14-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention with weight stability on metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary, premenopausal, nondiabetic, overweight/obese African American women. Twenty-eight subjects were allocated to one of two groups: HIIT, which performed three sessions per week of four high-intensity cycling intervals, or a control group (CON), which maintained their normal level of physical activity. Diet was controlled for all subjects to ensure weight stability. Pre- and postintervention (pre/post), subjects completed an incremental cycling test to limit of tolerance and, following a 10-day high-fat controlled feeding period, a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp to determine insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation. Nine members of HIIT (age, 29 ± 4 yr; body mass, 90.1 ± 13.8 kg) and eleven members of CON (age, 30 ± 7 yr; body mass, 85.5 ± 10.7 kg) completed the study. HIIT experienced an increased limit of tolerance (post, 1,124 ± 202 s; pre, 987 ± 146 s; P < 0.05), gas exchange threshold (post, 1.29 ± 0.34 liters/min; pre, 0.97 ± 0.23 liters/min; P < 0.05), and fat oxidation at the same absolute submaximal work rate compared with CON (P < 0.05 for group-by-time interaction in all cases). However, changes in peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak), insulin sensitivity, free fatty acid suppression during insulin stimulation, and metabolic flexibility were not different in HIIT compared with CON. High-intensity interval training with weight stability increased exercise fat oxidation and tolerance in subjects at risk for diabetic progression, but did not improve insulin sensitivity or fat oxidation in the postabsorptive or insulin-stimulated state.

Impact of Facial Nerve Function on Quality of Life after Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

Objective: In vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery, facial nerve function is of great importance for patients' individual satisfaction and quality of life. Methods: Between 2005 and 2010, 115 patients took part in long-term evaluation. Clinical results, facial photodocumentation, SF-36 life quality questionnaires, Nottingham Health Profile, and a disease-related questionnaire were analyzed. Three subjective outcome classes (A = satisfied with procedure and outcome, B = satisfied, but mild persisting symptoms, C = not satisfied, suffering from major symptoms) were related to the primary outcome, the objective (House-Brackmann scale, HB) and the subjective facial nerve function at follow-up of 1 year. Results: At 1year, objective facial function was HB grade I in 70%, HB grade II in 16%, HB grade III in 11%. Despite normal function 12% in class A, 26% in B, and 44% in C complained of persisting subjective facial weakness. Statistical analysis showed significant reduction in energy level and well-being but normal physical activity level when compared with those patients with objective facial deficits, pointing toward a lasting depressive status and related impairment in life quality despite objective good function. Conclusion: Patients' individual constitutions play a major part in long-term subjective life quality and may be more important than objective clinical findings.

Efficacy of a Botanical Supplement with Concentrated Echinacea purpurea for Increasing Aerobic Capacity.

The present investigation evaluated the efficacy of a botanical supplement that delivered a concentrated dose of Echinacea purpurea (8 grams day−1). The participants were 13 apparently healthy, recreationally active college students (VO2 max: 51 mL O2/kg∗min). The participants were provided with a 30-day supplementation regime. Data regarding maximum aerobic capacity was collected through pre- and posttesting surrounding the 30-day supplementation regime. The participants were instructed to maintain normal levels of physical activity and exercise during the experimental period. The levels of physical activity and exercise were monitored via the Leisure and Physical Activity Survey. The participants did not report any significant increases in aerobic physical activity or exercise during the supplementation period. Paired samples t-test analysis did not reveal a significant difference in maximum aerobic capacity, t(12) = 0.67, P = .516. Presupplementation maximum aerobic capacity (M = 51.0, SD = 6.8) was similar to postsupplementation values (M = 51.8, SD = 6.5). This study suggests that botanical supplements containing a concentrated dose of Echinacea purpurea is not an effective intervention to increase aerobic capacity of recreationally active individuals.