Physical Training Regimen Research Articles

Selected Specific Physical Training Program to Improve Jump Ability for Aerobic Gymnastic

Background and Aim: For aerobic gymnasts, a customized physical training regimen is essential because it increases muscle strength, improves performance quality, and lowers the risk of injury. It also cultivates priceless life lessons like self-control and tenacity, which are essential for athletes' overall growth. In the end, these kinds of programs are essential for optimizing physical ability, guaranteeing competitiveness, and developing well-rounded people in the demanding world of aerobic gymnastics. This research objective was to select specific physical training programs on Jumping ability and to compare the effect of selected specific physical training programs within the experimental group on jumping ability between pretest, after week 4, and posttest. Materials and Methods: The research was a quasi-experimental design, The Population was the 23 aerobic gymnastic players of Qingyuan City No. 3 Middle School in Guangdong Province, in 2023, aged 16-17 years. The sample was 23 aerobic gymnastic players, a purposive sampling method. They examined jump ability in the Straddle jump test, 360-degree-jump test, Split leap test, and power strength such as the Vertical jump test, Standing long jump test, and Wall squat test with pretest, after week 4 and posttest. The selected specific physical training programs were conducted for an eight-week duration of training, three days each week (Monday Wednesday Friday) and 1.30 hours per time. Data were collected and analyzed for mean and standard deviation. Differences were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. Bonferroni performed a post hoc pairwise comparison. The significance level is set to .05. Result: (1) The mean and standard deviation of jump ability and, strength and power which divide into the pretest, after week 4 and the posttest were followed by the Straddle jump was 4.61 ± 1.31, 6.13 ± 1.22 and 8.00 ± 0.74 score, 360-degree-jump was 5.57 ± 0.79, 6.96 ± 0.64 and 8.39 ± 0.58 score, Split leap test was 5.30 ± 0.76, 6.65 ± 0.71 and 8.26 ± 0.62 score, Vertical jump was 256.91 ± 23.50, 262.91 ± 24.55 and 269.09 ± 25.53 cm., Standing long jump was 204.83 ± 31.02, 209.43 ± 31.81 and 214.43 ± 31.82 cm. and Wall squat was 54.04 ± 10.44, 59.61 ± 11.02 and 66.04 ± 11.37 sec respectively. (2) The mean comparison of aerobic gymnastic jump ability and strength and power with the pre-test after week 4 and post-test found that all pairwise post hoc, pretest-after week 4, pretest-posttest, and after week 4- post-test were significant differences (*p<.05). Conclusion: The special physical training program can improve the jumping ability of aerobic gymnastic players. This study concludes the most effective methods to improve the jumping ability of aerobics athletes, discusses and corrects the deficiencies in the training process, bids farewell to the boring traditional exercises, and expands the application of the training contents, it provides a basis for teachers to formulate training programs.

Effects of 34 Weeks of Military Service on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Military Cadets of Angola.

Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets' body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.

Numerous Trigger-like Interactions of Kinases/Protein Phosphatases in Human Skeletal Muscles Can Underlie Transient Processes in Activation of Signaling Pathways during Exercise.

Optimizing physical training regimens to increase muscle aerobic capacity requires an understanding of the internal processes that occur during exercise that initiate subsequent adaptation. During exercise, muscle cells undergo a series of metabolic events that trigger downstream signaling pathways and induce the expression of many genes in working muscle fibers. There are a number of studies that show the dependence of changes in the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), one of the mediators of cellular signaling pathways, on the duration and intensity of single exercises. The activity of various AMPK isoforms can change in different directions, increasing for some isoforms and decreasing for others, depending on the intensity and duration of the load. This review summarizes research data on changes in the activity of AMPK, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and other components of the signaling pathways in skeletal muscles during exercise. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the observed changes in AMPK activity may be largely related to metabolic and signaling transients rather than exercise intensity per se. Probably, the main events associated with these transients occur at the beginning of the exercise in a time window of about 1-10 min. We hypothesize that these transients may be partly due to putative trigger-like kinase/protein phosphatase interactions regulated by feedback loops. In addition, numerous dynamically changing factors, such as [Ca2+], metabolite concentration, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), can shift the switching thresholds and change the states of these triggers, thereby affecting the activity of kinases (in particular, AMPK and CaMKII) and phosphatases. The review considers the putative molecular mechanisms underlying trigger-like interactions. The proposed hypothesis allows for a reinterpretation of the experimental data available in the literature as well as the generation of ideas to optimize future training regimens.

Physical Fitness Profile of High-Level Female Portuguese Handball Players

We characterized the physical and physiological profiles of high-level female Portuguese handball players and examined the relationships between their anthropometric characteristics, general motor performance and cardiopulmonary fitness. Twenty-four high-level female handball players with an average age of 23.6 ± 5.5 years, height of 173.6 ± 5.1 cm and body mass of 72.6 ± 9.1 kg volunteered to participate. A Pearson correlation test was used to assess the relationship between variables. Direct relationships were observed between the players' height and arm span (r = 0.741), as well as between their squat jump and countermovement jump performances with regard to body mass (r = 0.448 and 0.496, respectively). The 9 m jump shot has a large relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.786) and between left hand dynamometry and body mass index (r = 0.595). The 30 m sprint has a relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = -0.526) and the 9 m jump throw (r = -0.551). Oxygen uptake has a relationship with the players' height (r = -0.482) and time limit (r = 0.513), while the fitness index has a relation to the players' height (r = -0.488) and arm span (r = -0.422). Our results should be considered when using physical testing to plan optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.

Role of ergoreflex activity in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The effectiveness of physical rehabilitation

Aim. To assess the change in ergoreflex activity in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular systolic function in the study of the effectiveness of physical training (PT) with original regimen, compared with PT with conventionally estimated regimen.Material and methods. Single-center open-label study of 297 patients with class III HF. The patients were divided into two groups: main group (MG) — patients, in whom the PT intensity was estimated based on lactate threshold (LT); comparison group (CG), in whom the PT intensity was estimated based on 60% VO2peak. We analyzed ergoreflex activity, the relationship of ergoreflex with exercise tolerance (ET), routine systemic inflammation markers, clinical manifestations of HF, and ET based on VO2peak.Results. An increase in gait velocity at the LT level after 3 months of PT was registered in 94% (n=210) of the MG patients. After 3 months, the PT regimen was recalculated according to 60% VO2реак; an increase in gait velocity at this level after 3 months of PT was registered in 70% of CG patients (n=35). The severity of HF decreased in both groups, but the dynamics was more pronounced in the MG, where class II was achieved by 75% of patients (in CG — 44%, p=0,003). In the MG, to a greater extent than in the CG, the ET increased. Ergoreflex activity (according to ΔVE) decreased by ≥15% in 230 (97%) MG patients and in 31 (63%) patients with CG. After the completion of the PT period, when in some patients the HF severity decreased to class II, we revealed a direct association of the ergoreflex value (according to ΔVE) with a greater severity of HF (r=-0,57, p=0,01) and the relationship between the decrease in ergoreflex activity (according to ΔVE), an increase in VO2LT (r=-0,55, p=0,001), VO2peak (r=0,49, p=0,001), a decrease in monocyte count (r=0,63, p=0,01).Conclusion. In stable patients with class III HF receiving the proper disease-modifying therapy, ergoreflex activity is increased and is associated with functional class, ET, and systemic inflammation activity. In the course of physical rehabilitation, a decrease in ergoreflex activity is accompanied by a decrease in functional class, an increase in EF, which is more pronounced with personalized aerobic exercise using LT regimen assessment.

The Case Report on the Effectiveness of Infrared Light on Acid Burn Victim

Burn injuries are common in Pakistan. However, most people are reluctant to have infrared treatment for their wounds. This study investigated the efficacy of infrared treatment on burn wounds. The procedure involved a burn victim who had sustained acid burns to the neck and face. Nectrotomy was done to remove dead tissue from the burn wound, and after treatment, Low-Level Light was used to reduce pain and enhance healing in the patient. Initial results showed mild hypertrophic scars, no stiffness. Post-operation therapy included physical training regimens and massage. The patient showed satisfactory results and felt less tightness in neck movements by the following treatment. The article concludes by showing that infrared light promoted repair and regrowth at a cellular level.

The Team Handball Game-Based Performance Test Is Better than the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to Measure Match-Related Activities in Female Adult Top-Elite Field Team Handball Players

In team handball, suitable tests determining the match-related physical performance are essential for the planning of optimal physical training regimens. Thus, the aims of the present study were (a) to determine the relationships between the physical and physiological test results from a team handball game-based performance test (GBPT), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1 test) and a separate linear 30-m single sprint performance test (SSPT) in female adult top-elite field team handball players, in order to establish the significance (validity) of tests for measuring relevant elements for team handball match-play; and (b) to compare and evaluate the results from the aforementioned tests for the same players in relation to the different playing positions. Twenty-three female adult top-elite field team handball players from the Danish Premier Female Team Handball League performed the GBPT, the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT test on separate days. As main findings, significant correlations between the GBPT and the Yo-Yo IR1 test in about 1/3 of the variables were found, indicating that the Yo-Yo IR1 test is reflecting most of the locomotive match activities in female adult top-elite team handball. However, the Yo-Yo IR1 test results were not correlated to the GBPT in any of the match-related activities in the team handball GBPT that included technical playing actions such as tackles, passes, jumping and shooting during specialized movements in offence and defence. Overall, the results revealed that the GBPT is better than the Yo-Yo IR1 test to evaluate female adult top-elite field team handball players’ ability to perform physical match-related activities including both locomotive and technical playing actions executed as during competitive match-play. Similar to the Yo-Yo IR1 test, the 30-m SSPT was not correlated to any of the team handball GBPT activities, which included technical playing actions. These data suggest that the SSPT only to a certain extent can measure the individual sprint capacity of elite team handball players. In addition, unexpectedly no significant differences between the various playing positions were found neither for the GBPT, the SSPT nor the Yo-Yo IR1 test. However, several effects sizes indicated that the lack of positional differences primarily was due to the relatively small sample size in each playing position and the composition of the specific group of players. In conclusion, this study clearly indicated that team handball specific physical performance, as measured by the GBPT, and general physical performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT, are different components. This must be taken in consideration when using physical test results for the planning of optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.

Timing of stress fracture in soldiers during the first 6 career months: a retrospective cohort study.

Stress fractures (SF) are injuries that can result from beginning new or higher volume physical training regimens. The pattern of clinical presentation of SF over time after individuals start a new or more demanding physical training regimen is not well defined in medical literature. Report trends in the clinical presentation of stress fractures over the first six month of soldiers' time in the service. Retrospective Cohort study Setting: This study was conducted using medical encounter and personnel data from U.S. Army soldiers during the first 6 months of their career. U.S. Army soldiers beginning their careers from 2005-2014 (N=701,027). Weekly SF numbers and incidence were calculated overall, as well as by sex, over the first 6 months of military service. SF diagnoses (N=14,155) increased steeply in weeks 3 and 4, with a peak in the overall incidence of SF diagnoses occurring during weeks 5-8. Although clinical incidence of stress fracture generally decreased beyond 8 weeks, incident lower extremity stress fractures continued to present for over 20 weeks. The hazard ratio (HR) for SF among women compared to men was 4.14 (95% CI = [4.01, 4.27]). Across the 6-month study period, women showed over 4 times greater hazard for stress fracture. The results also suggest that health care providers should be particularly vigilant for stress fractures within 3 weeks after the beginning of a new or higher intensity exercise regimen. The incidence of SF may continue to climb for several weeks. Even as stress fracture incidence declines, it should be noted that these injuries may also continue to appear clinically even several months after a change in activity or training.

The Influence of Lower-Body Training, Upper-Body Training and a Combination of Both on Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Purpose: Regular physical activities are a keystone in the nonmedical and nonsurgical treatment of knee-osteoarthritis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still regarded as a black-box and a matter of debate. As potential candidates, two groups can be distinguished: First, joint-specific influences such as better biomechanical functioning and improvements in the quality of cartilage. Secondly, more unspecific effectors like anti-inflammatory cytokines and a central modulation of pain perception. In order to distinguish between these two groups the present study compared the training effects of knee-joint surrounding muscles (LBT), upper body muscles (UBT), and the combination of both (WBT). &#x0D; Methods: 372 physically inactive, adult knee-osteoarthritic patients of both sexes were enrolled in the multi-centered, controlled, and randomized training intervention. All three exercise groups fulfilled an 8-week circle-training intervention two times per week with a subjective intensity of 4 - 5 for the first five sessions (on a 0 = no effort to 10 = extreme effort scale). From the 6th to the 10th session, intensity was adjusted to 6 – 7 and thereafter to 7 – 8. The single training sessions were as follows. LBT: 4 devices, exercise net time (ENT) 20 min., UBT: 4 devices, ENT12 min., WBT 8 devices, ENT 28 min. Anthropometric data, comorbidities, regular physical activities, actual and former medical treatments, knee specific functionality, pain, stiffness, and health related physical and mental quality of life was evaluated at the beginning, after 4 weeks, and finally after 8 weeks by means of online-questionnaires.&#x0D; Main Results: Initially, pain and physical function correlated well with the Kellgren-Lawrence grades (p &lt; 0,01). All three training interventions led to significantly increased functionalities (p &lt; 0,0001) and physical qualities of life (p &lt; 0,02). The pain-subscore of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0,004). None of these improvements showed significant differences between groups, although there was a tendency of WBT to be superior to UBT and LBT.&#x0D; Conclusion: The positive effects of physical training regimens cannot be exclusively attributed to a knee-specific training effect since significant improvements also occurred in the UBT group.

Physical Fitness Maintenance In Members Of A Southeastern United States City Professional Firefighting Department

PURPOSE: Previous studies report that firefighters lacking an adequate level of physical fitness, even those classified as experts, can experience a severe physiological challenge in unpredictable environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess and track the annual physical fitness performance of the members of a professional firefighting department. METHODS: As part of the annual health and fitness testing (data from 2002-2017) performed by the Bowling Green Fire Department (BGFD) in Bowling Green, KY, 153 firefighters had their physical fitness evaluated using standardized and recommended protocols published by the International Association of Fire Fighters. A mixed methods analysis was employed to examine differences over time for each of the dependent variables (push-ups, plank hold, handgrip strength, static arm pull, and static leg pull) using SPSS (v25). RESULTS: Handgrip strength performance significantly improved in the first 4 years after baseline (p < .05) followed by a steady, significant decline each following year (p < .05), with the exception of year 15 (p = .504). Push-up performance significantly declined from baseline (p < .05). The plank hold performance was maintained over the first 5 years of testing (p > .05) before showing marked improvement in the most recent year (p < .05). Although small, flexibility significantly improved from year 1 to year 2 (p < .05), but then was maintained over each subsequent year of testing (p > .05). Static arm pull and static leg pull both significantly improved for the first 4 years (p < .05), but then showed a steady decline thereafter (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, physical fitness showed a consistent improvement in the first several years tested; however, several of the muscular strength-related variables showed a consistent decline thereafter. It will be important to continue to monitor and adjust the physical training regimen to attempt to alleviate any physical fitness decline.

Physical employment standards, physical training and musculoskeletal injury in physically demanding occupations.

Physically demanding occupations such as the military, firefighting and law enforcement have adopted physical employment standards (PES). The intent of PES is to match the physical capacity of personnel with the physical demands of job tasks. Inadequate physical capacity can affect occupational task performance as well musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk. To present contemporary evidence on the relationship(s) between PES, physical training, physical capacity and MSKI in physically demanding occupations, and provide recommendations regarding physical training for improved occupational performance and reduced MSKI risk. This narrative review draws on evidence from 104 published sources. Physical training is central to the development and maintenance of occupationally-relevant physical capacity, as well as mitigating MSKI risk associated with job performance. In addition, given the prevalence of manual handling tasks, strength training needs to be emphasised in physical training regimen. PES development can inform both physical training and injury prevention strategies in physically demanding occupations. Furthermore, a physical performance continuum is essential to through-career maintenance of occupational performance and health, and the preservation of organisational capability. Finally, organisations should consider the potential to implement PES as maximal performance tests to better understand the relationship between occupational task performance and MSKI risk.

Effects of Resistance Training on Functional Strength and Muscle Mass in 70-Year-Old Individuals With Pre-sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveSarcopenia has been defined as age-related loss of muscle mass and function. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a 10-week instructor-led resistance training program on functional strength and body composition in men and women aged 70 years with pre-sarcopenia. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsParticipants were randomized to either 10 weeks of a physical training regimen including optional nutritional supplementation (n = 36) or to a control group (n = 34) (ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT03297632). The main outcome was changes in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. Secondary outcomes included the Timed Up and Go test, chair sit-stand time, lean body mass, and fat mass. ResultsThe intervention had no significant effect on SPPB in the total cohort (P = .18), when comparing changes in the intervention group with the control group. However, those given the intervention in the male subcohort increased 0.5 ± 0.4 (mean ± standard error for the difference) points in SPPB during follow-up (P = .02) compared to male controls. With respect to secondary outcomes, the intervention group decreased 0.9 ± 0.6 seconds in chair sit-stand time compared to controls (P = .01). Furthermore, the intervention resulted in significantly greater improvements for the training group than control group in all measures of body composition (P ≤ .01 for all). For example, lean body mass increased by a mean of 1147 ± 282 g (P < .001), and total fat mass decreased by a mean of 553 ± 225 g (P = .003), favoring the intervention group. Conclusion/ImplicationsThe main finding of this intervention study is that an easy-to-use, functional resistance training program was effective in maintaining functional strength and increasing muscle mass in older adults with pre-sarcopenia.

Overview of Body Metric Analysis for Junior Athletes using Ultrasonography and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Technology

Changes in body composition parameters can be used as a mean of tracking an athlete’s health. Athletic performance relative to fat mass should be evaluated as an increase may be detrimental to physical activities by increasing energy demands and decreasing performance. Body composition, is an important indicator of nutritional status, water homeostasis and the specific adaptations to different physical training regimens. Similarly, assessment of the thigh muscles can provide adequate information on functionality and injury vulnerability. Knowledge garnered from biometric analysis using ultrasound and bio-impedance analysis technology, may be used to gauge the health status of future elite athletes. Assessing the body composition and muscle characteristics of young athletes, allow for early detection of weak areas that may negatively affect the performance of these athletes in the future. In addition, knowledge of how these parameters vary with performance provides an athlete with data that may be used to optimize performance.

Hormonal response patterns are differentially influenced by physical conditioning programs during basic military training

ObjectivesCompare traditional military physical training and more contemporary physical training on catabolic and anabolic hormones and body composition in recruits undertaking basic military training (BMT). DesignA prospective cross-sectional study design. MethodsTwo recruit intakes were assessed over the 12-week Australian Army BMT course. The control group (CON) comprised 40 recruits (26M/14F) and the experimental group (EXP) comprised 35 recruits (25M/10F). Hormone concentrations (IGF-I, testosterone, cortisol, SHBG) and body composition were assessed at weeks 1 and 12. The EXP group undertook a higher-load/intensity physical training regimen, while CON undertook the extant physical training program which focused on cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Total physical activity within physical training sessions was assessed during weeks 2, 6 and 9. ResultsThere was a significant group×time interaction (p<0.01) for IGF-I and cortisol, and main effects over time (p<0.01) for IGF-I, cortisol and SHBG. There were main effects for time (p<0.05) for lean and fat mass, and these changes were associated (p<0.05) with altered hormone concentrations. Physical activity levels were approximately 50% lower in EXP than CON during physical training sessions. ConclusionsThis is the first study to report a differential hormone response to contrasting physical conditioning regimen during BMT. The results indicate that the recruits who completed the EXP physical training regimen had an attenuated stress profile. This is an important observation, as any enhancement of recruit training outcomes are critical for Army noting that fundamentally, organisational capability is reliant upon the physical capability of its personnel.

Does Combined Physical and Cognitive Training Improve Dual-Task Balance and Gait Outcomes in Sedentary Older Adults?

Everyday activities like walking and talking can put an older adult at risk for a fall if they have difficulty dividing their attention between motor and cognitive tasks. Training studies have demonstrated that both cognitive and physical training regimens can improve motor and cognitive task performance. Few studies have examined the benefits of combined training (cognitive and physical) and whether or not this type of combined training would transfer to walking or balancing dual-tasks. This study examines the dual-task benefits of combined training in a sample of sedentary older adults. Seventy-two older adults (≥60 years) were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: Aerobic + Cognitive training (CT), Aerobic + Computer lessons (CL), Stretch + CT and Stretch + CL. It was expected that the Aerobic + CT group would demonstrate the largest benefits and that the active placebo control (Stretch + CL) would show the least benefits after training. Walking and standing balance were paired with an auditory n-back with two levels of difficulty (0- and 1-back). Dual-task walking and balance were assessed with: walk speed (m/s), cognitive accuracy (% correct) and several mediolateral sway measures for pre- to post-test improvements. All groups demonstrated improvements in walk speed from pre- (M = 1.33 m/s) to post-test (M = 1.42 m/s, p < 0.001) and in accuracy from pre- (M = 97.57%) to post-test (M = 98.57%, p = 0.005).They also increased their walk speed in the more difficult 1-back (M = 1.38 m/s) in comparison to the 0-back (M = 1.36 m/s, p < 0.001) but reduced their accuracy in the 1-back (M = 96.39%) in comparison to the 0-back (M = 99.92%, p < 0.001). Three out of the five mediolateral sway variables (Peak, SD, RMS) demonstrated significant reductions in sway from pre to post test (p-values < 0.05). With the exception of a group difference between Aerobic + CT and Stretch + CT in accuracy, there were no significant group differences after training. Results suggest that there can be dual-task benefits from training but that in this sedentary sample Aerobic + CT training was not more beneficial than other types of combined training.

The effect of short-term isometric training on core/torso stiffness

ABSTRACT“Core” exercise is a basic part of many physical training regimens with goals ranging from rehabilitation of spine and knee injuries to improving athletic performance. Core stiffness has been proposed to perform several functions including reducing pain by minimising joint micro-movements, and enhancing strength and speed performance. This study probes the links between a training approach and immediate but temporary changes in stiffness. Passive and active stiffness was measured on 24 participants; 12 having little to no experience in core training (inexperienced), and the other 12 being athletes experienced to core training methods; before and after a 15 min bout of isometric core exercises. Passive stiffness was assessed on a “frictionless” bending apparatus and active stiffness assessed via a quick release mechanism. Short-term isometric core training increased passive and active stiffness in most directions for both inexperienced and experienced participants, passive left lateral bend among experienced participants being the exception (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the inexperienced and experienced groups. The results confirm that the specific isometric training exercise approach tested here can induce immediate changes in core stiffness, in this case following a single session. This may influence performance and injury resilience for a brief period.

High Load And Intensity But Low Volume

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a high load and intensity experimental physical training regimen to improve recruit performance within the Australian Army. METHODS: Military recruits were assigned to either a 12-week Experimental (EXP n = 68, 21.7 ± 4.2 y), Military (MIL n = 60, 21.1 ± 4.1 y) or civilians act as a control group (CON n = 11, 25.5 ± 4.5 y) and were assessed at Weeks 1, 6 and 12, in military tests for 3.2 km 22 kg load carriage, 1RM 1.5m box lift, 20 m multistage fitness test and 2 min push-up test. A random sub-sample of recruits (EXP n = 33; MIL n = 38) also performed physiological tests (DEXA, V [Combining Dot Above]O2peak, 1RM squat and bench press, vertical jump and 30 s Wingate). Total training time (41 hours) and frequency (41) was match between EXP and MIL. However, compared to MIL the EXP had 50% lower physical activity count (triaxial accelerometer), but higher heart rate reserve (heart rate monitor, EXP >70%, MIL 15RM). Significant interactions (P<0.05) are reported as the mean change between Weeks 1 and 12, ± SD. RESULTS: No changes were observed for CON. EXP significantly reduced total body fat (EXP -2.7 ± 2.2 kg, MIL -1.7 ± 2.2 kg) whilst total lean mass was observed to increase in both groups (EXP 2.1 ± 1.9 kg, MIL 2.4 ± 2.2 kg). EXP showed superior improvement in load carriage time (EXP -155.1 ± 122.4 s, MIL -104.1 ± 123.6 s), 1RM box lift (EXP 4.8 ± 6.0 kg, MIL 1.0 ± 5.5 kg), 20 m multistage fitness test (EXP 5.3 ± 4.1 mL.kg-1.min-1, MIL 3.4 ± 4.0 mL.kg-1.min-1), 2-min push-up (EXP 10.8 ± 7.1 reps, MIL 8.0 ± 7.4 reps), 1RM bench press (EXP 18.0 ± 6.7 kg, MIL 9.2 ± 18.6 kg), 1RM squat (EXP 27.8 ± 10.5 kg, MIL -6.1 ± 27.6 kg) and V [Combining Dot Above]O2peak (EXP 2.7 ± 4.1 mL.kg-1.min-1, MIL -1.2 ± 6.3 mL.kg-1.min-1). MIL had a significantly greater decline in vertical jump power (EXP -36.8 ± 128.7 W, MIL -72.1 ± 139.4 W). In contrast, 30 s mean power declined in both groups after training (EXP -24.5 ± 53.7 W, MIL -25.0 ± 107.7 W). CONCLUSION: Despite a significant reduction in training volume, recruit performance in basic military, occupational and physiological tests of physical fitness were superior. Our results suggest that high resistance training loads and exercise endurance intensity can be successfully implemented within a mass military recruit training environment. Supported by a UOW/DST Group doctoral scholarship

Exercise training with blood flow restriction has little effect on muscular strength and does not change IGF-1 in fit military warfighters

ObjectiveAerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (aBFR) has been proposed as an adjunctive modality in numerous populations, potentially via an enhanced growth factor response. However, the effects of aBFR on highly trained warfighters have yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to determine if adjunctive aBFR as part of a regular physical training regimen would increase markers of aerobic fitness and muscle strength in elite warfighters. In addition, we sought to determine whether the changes in blood lactate concentration induced by aBFR would be associated with alterations in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. DesignActive-duty US Naval Special Warfare Operators (n=18, age=36.8±2.2years, weight=89.1±1.2kg, height=181.5±1.4cm) from Naval Amphibious Base Coronado were recruited to participate in 20days of adjunctive aBFR training. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), ventilatory threshold (VT), and 1-repetition max (1-RM) bench press and squat were assessed pre- and post-aBFR training. Blood lactate and plasma IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were assessed pre-, 2min post-, and 30min post-aBFR on days 1, 9, and 20 of aBFR training. ResultsFollowing aBFR training there were no changes in VO2 peak or VT, but there was an increase in the 1-RM for the bench press and the squat (5.0 and 3.9%, respectively, P<0.05). Blood lactate concentration at the 2-min post-exercise time point was 4.5–7.2-fold higher than pre-exercise levels on all days (P<0.001). At the 30-min post-exercise time point, blood lactate was still 1.6–2.6-fold higher than pre-exercise levels (P<0.001), but had decreased by 49–56% from the 2-min post-exercise time point (P<0.001). Plasma IGF-1 concentrations did not change over the course of the study. On day 9, plasma IGFBP-3 concentration was 4–22% lower than on day 1 (P<0.01) and 22% lower on day 9 than on day 20 at the 30-min post-exercise time point (P<0.001). ConclusionsOur data suggest that aBFR training does not lead to practical strength adaptations or alterations in the IGF axis in a population of highly trained warfighters.

Dynamics of oxidation stress markers during long-term antiorthostatic hypokinesia: A retrospective study

Nine volunteers aged 27 to 42 participated in an experiment with 370-day antiorthostatic hypokinesia at–5°C, and their blood serum samples were tested for the concentrations of lipid peroxidation (LPO) derivatives, including diene conjugates (DCs), malonic dialdehyde (MDA), and Schiff bases (SBs), and indices of the antioxidant defense system, including the tocopherol (TP) concentration and total antioxidant activity (AOA). The subjects were divided into two groups, which differed in physical training regimen and prophylaxis measures. Initial LPO steps were inhibited in both of the groups by 54–73% from day 50, while the level of SBs, which are final LPO products, decreased by 50–61% by day 230 and remained much the same up to the end of the experiment. The MDA and SB concentrations decreased by a factor of 1.6–2.3 during recovery. Total AOA decreased as an aftereffect during recovery to a level far lower than physiologically normal. Based on the significant inhibition of free-radical LPO throughout the experiment, long-term adaptation to simulated hypogravity was accompanied by a pronounced decrease in biological oxidation and caused severe stress. Substantial long-term readaptation stress developed during recovery after 370-day antiorthostatic hypokinesia, as was evident from the facts that the LPO activity was almost halved, TP concentration significantly increased, and the functional reserves of water-soluble antioxidants were exhausted. Lack of LPO activation was assumed to reflect adequate compensation in the subjects.

Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles as an alternative mode of exercise training in chronic heart failure: practical considerations and proposed algorithm.

Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles as an alternative mode of exercise training in chronic heart failure: practical considerations and proposed algorithm.