Running Activity Research Articles

Socio-Cultural Factors of the Emergence and Activity of Running Clubs in the USSR

The subject of the study is the socio-cultural determinants of the genesis and functioning of the running clubs of the USSR in the period 1968-1991. The objectives of the work: to determine the prerequisites for the emergence of the running club movement in the USSR; to reveal the essential features of the club as initiative clubs for the self-organization of amateur runners; to identify the external and internal functions of running clubs. The source base of the research was both scientific publications and the memoirs of the organizers and the first participants in the activities of the KLB in the USSR presented on the Internet. The methodological basis of the work is a philosophically oriented socio-cultural approach, within the framework of which the study of complex social and cultural relations in the area of origin, functioning and influence on Soviet society of the activities of running clubs, as well as the methodological technique of constructing a genetic "ideal type" by M. Weber is carried out. The main prerequisites for the emergence of the KLB are seen in the traditions of leisure running practices of pre-revolutionary Russia; the Soviet TRP complex; the development of physical culture and sports public organizations; problems generated by the NTR; the impact of Western running culture. From the perspective of determining the essential features, KLBS are considered as initiative leisure clubs focused on ensuring the maximum efficiency of using running to achieve the therapeutic, healing and personality-building goals of their participants. The mission of the KLB was the improvement of man and society through running practices, the assertion on their basis of enduring humanistic values: health, kalokagatiya, social activity, self-development. The innovation of the KLB in the functional aspect was the development of super marathon running in the USSR, the mass involvement of women in running activity, the development of methods of recreational running for various groups of the population, the cultivation of veteran running amateur sports, the unification of running and artistic practices in the framework of entertainment events.

Understanding Social Exercise: Desire and Intention to Participate in Running Crews.

The current study investigated the determinants of the desire and intention to participate in an inner-city 'running crew' among social runners using a theoretical framework of the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB). Data were obtained from 245 social runners in Korea using an online questionnaire and primarily analyzed with the structural equation modeling technique. The results indicated that the desire to participate in a running crew was influenced most by positive anticipated emotions, followed (in descending order) by attitudes, negative anticipated emotions, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and the frequency of past behaviors. Runners' behavioral intentions were predicted by desire but not directly related to perceived behavioral control and the frequency of past behavior. Overall, the study emphasized the importance of positive anticipated emotions and behavioral desire, among others, to encourage recreational runners' participation in social running activities. Given that social runners rely on mobile apps to participate in running crew activities, the current study's results have practical implications for running crew organizers, sports-branded app developers, and health promotion agencies.

Perbedaan Efektivitas Aktivitas Jogging dan Senam Aerobik Terhadap Kadar Gula Darah Sewaktu Pria Remaja


 
 
 
 Running and gymnastics have a very important role for burning calories, where running will consume energy (burning calories) and reduce body fat so that it can increase the ability of cell metabolism to absorb and store glucose. The benefits of exercise for diabetics include increasing blood glucose levels, prevent obesity, play a role in overcoming the possibility of atherogenic complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of running and gymnastics activities on blood sugar levels when in adult men divided into two sample groups, each of them was 10 people for running sports activities and 10 people for gymnastic activities. The design of this study was experimental using a sample of 20 adult men. The independent variable in this study is the activity of jogging running and aerobic exercise and the dependent variable of this study is blood sugar levels in adult men. The measuring instrument used to determine blood sugar levels during this study was GCU Nesco multicheck. Independent t statistic test obtained the value of sig. (2-tailed) <0.05 which shows there is a significant difference between running and gymnastics to reduce blood sugar levels. The results of this study conclude that jogging running is more effective than aerobic exercise to reduce blood sugar levels in adult men.
 
 
 

RANBP1 (RAN Binding Protein 1): The Missing Genetic Piece in Cancer Pathophysiology and Other Complex Diseases

RANBP1 encoded by RANBP1 or HTF9A (Hpall Tiny Fragments Locus 9A), plays regulatory functions of the RAN-network, belonging to the RAS superfamily of small GTPases. Through this function, RANBP1 regulates the RANGAP1 activity and, thus, the fluctuations between GTP-RAN and GDP-RAN. In the light of this, RANBP1 take actions in maintaining the nucleus-cytoplasmic gradient, thus making nuclear import-export functional. RANBP1 has been implicated in the inter-nuclear transport of proteins, nucleic acids and microRNAs, fully contributing to cellular epigenomic signature. Recently, a RANBP1 diriment role in spindle checkpoint formation and nucleation has emerged, thus constituting an essential element in the control of mitotic stability. Over time, RANBP1 has been demonstrated to be variously involved in human cancers both for the role in controlling nuclear transport and RAN activity and for its ability to determine the efficiency of the mitotic process. RANBP1 also appears to be implicated in chemo-hormone and radio-resistance. A key role of this small-GTPases related protein has also been demonstrated in alterations of axonal flow and neuronal plasticity, as well as in viral and bacterial metabolism and in embryological maturation. In conclusion, RANBP1 appears not only to be an interesting factor in several pathological conditions but also a putative target of clinical interest.

Biomechanics and lower limb function are altered in athletes and runners with achilles tendinopathy compared with healthy controls: A systematic review.

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a debilitating injury in athletes, especially for those engaged in repetitive stretch-shortening cycle activities. Clinical risk factors are numerous, but it has been suggested that altered biomechanics might be associated with AT. No systematic review has been conducted investigating these biomechanical alterations in specifically athletic populations. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to compare the lower-limb biomechanics of athletes with AT to athletically matched asymptomatic controls. Databases were searched for relevant studies investigating biomechanics during gait activities and other motor tasks such as hopping, isolated strength tasks, and reflex responses. Inclusion criteria for studies were an AT diagnosis in at least one group, cross-sectional or prospective data, at least one outcome comparing biomechanical data between an AT and healthy group, and athletic populations. Studies were excluded if patients had Achilles tendon rupture/surgery, participants reported injuries other than AT, and when only within-subject data was available.. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for relevant outcomes. The initial search yielded 4,442 studies. After screening, twenty studies (775 total participants) were synthesised, reporting on a wide range of biomechanical outcomes. Females were under-represented and patients in the AT group were three years older on average. Biomechanical alterations were identified in some studies during running, hopping, jumping, strength tasks and reflex activity. Equally, several biomechanical variables studied were not associated with AT in included studies, indicating a conflicting picture. Kinematics in AT patients appeared to be altered in the lower limb, potentially indicating a pattern of "medial collapse". Muscular activity of the calf and hips was different between groups, whereby AT patients exhibited greater calf electromyographic amplitudes despite lower plantar flexor strength. Overall, dynamic maximal strength of the plantar flexors, and isometric strength of the hips might be reduced in the AT group. This systematic review reports on several biomechanical alterations in athletes with AT. With further research, these factors could potentially form treatment targets for clinicians, although clinical approaches should take other contributing health factors into account. The studies included were of low quality, and currently no solid conclusions can be drawn.

A comparison of running and contact loads in U18 and U20 international rugby union competition

The purpose of the present study was to characterize and compare locomotor and contact loads in U18 and U20 international rugby union competition during matches, and specifically during peak match-play phases using short rolling epochs and continuous ball-in-play (BIP) sequences. 20 international matches from French national teams were analysed in the U18 and U20 Six Nations Tournament respectively and World Rugby U20 Championship. Running loads were quantified using global positioning devices (16 Hz) and contact loads via video match analysis software. Players were split into forward (U18, n = 29; U20, n = 32) and back positional groups (U18, n = 20; U20, n = 24). Compared with U20 peers, U18 players covered a higher total distance (effect size (ES) = -0.76 ± 0.25) and at high-speeds per minute (> 4 m · s-1; ES = -0.55 ± 0.25) and performed more accelerations (ES = -0.71 ± 0.25). While a greater frequency of BIP sequences > 90 s duration was observed in U20s versus U18s match-play, U18s covered more total distance and high-speed distance (ES = -0.42 ± 0.13 and -0.33 ± 0.13 respectively) per minute during these longer sequences. During peak rolling phases shorter than 4 minutes, no clear differences existed between age categories in running activity, while U20 forwards performed more contact actions than U18 peers. The match-play loads observed in the present international U18 players suggest that they are ready to respond to the overall and peak demands observed in U20 competition. Moreover, the present information on peak activity phases can aid design of overload high-intensity conditioning sessions to respond to the running- and contact-demands identified in those competitions.

ATIVIDADES DE APTIDÃO FÍSICA BASEADAS NA CONDIÇÃO FÍSICA DOS ATLETAS ESPORTIVOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nowadays, physical activities have become an important way for people to improve their physical fitness. Running is considered to be an exercise option with low investment, low consumption, and no space restrictions. It can play a role in physical fitness, entertainment, and communication. Objective: Analyze the impact of running activities on athletes’ physical fitness. Methods: Volunteer athletes were randomly divided into two groups (experimental and control groups). The experimental group performed running activities for eight weeks while the control group did not participate in running. Key physiological and biochemical indicators such as height, weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, etc. were recorded. The data were collected and processed according to the mathematical statistics method to analyze the data. Results: There is no significant difference in height after the experiment (P>0.05). The value of body weight curve was changed after the increment of running exercise (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in bust size between the two tests (P>0.05). Waist circumference, hip circumference and upper limb circumference were significantly different after the test (P<0.05). The subjects’ blood pressure and heart rate before and after the test were significantly different, proportional to the changes in mean vital capacity (P<0.01). Conclusion: Long-term running training impacts athletes’ physical and mental health. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

ANÁLISE TÉCNICA DE MOVIMENTO E PREVENÇÃO DE LESÕES ESPORTIVAS NO TREINAMENTO FÍSICO DE IDOSOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical training for the elderly is extremely popular. However, there is a lack of analysis on sports injuries in the elderly. Objective: Study the analysis of movement in sports training techniques and preventing sports injuries in the elderly. Methods: Participating in a 15-minute running and warm-up activity before using the standard FMS test kit, they followed seven test movements, each repeated three times; they did so during six weeks of training based on the recommendations for the prevention of sports injuries presented in this paper. Results: Among the 14 elderly subjects with a total FMS score <14 points, most functional motor scores were 15-16 points, of which 19 points were high, and 9 points were low. In the intervention based on the perspective of sports injuries, the FMS measurement value of the elderly was much better than before, and the evaluation of the technical analysis of movement after the correction was significantly higher than before. Conclusion: The prevention of sports injuries proposed in this paper can effectively help the elderly to prevent sports injuries. This paper considers the FMS trial design as an example for analyzing movements in sports training of the elderly and formulating standards. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Anatomical and functional study of the musculus psoas major and nervus femoralis in correlation with pelvic diameters

Background/Aim. The iliopsoas muscle [musculus (m.) iliopsoas] originates from the Greek word ps?a, which means loin and represents the only muscle in the body with anatomical preconditions to simultaneously and directly contribute to the stability and movement of the trunk, pelvis, and legs. M. iliopsoas belongs to the inner thigh muscle group and forms part of the posterior abdominal wall. This muscle is the major flexor of the hip joint, and it is functionally essential for proper posture, walking, running, and other physical activities. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the anatomical parameters of the pelvis and nervus (n.) femoralis, as well as the relationship between the same pelvic parameters and m. psoas major. Methods. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, on cadaveric material of the Institute of Anatomy ?Niko Miljanic?. For measurement purposes, 14 cadavers were used, seven of which were male and seven female, aged 67?79 years. The measuring instruments used in this study were a ruler and an electronic digital caliper (measuring range 0?500 mm, resolution 0.01 mm). Statistical data processing was performed in the SPSS 11.0 program using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. The results of this study indicate a significant statistical difference in pelvic width between male and female cadavers, which was observed in the reduction of the bituberal line in females, while the parameters of the bispinal line showed no significant difference between the two genders. The decrease of the bituberal line in females was followed by an increase in the width of the proximal origin with a statistically significant decrease in the length of the proximal origin of the m. psoas major. Furthermore, the vertical distance of n. femoralis from the exit point of the muscle to the bispinal line was significantly reduced in the male cadavers. Conclusion. Based on our results, we can assume that, in most cases, due to the smaller bituberal and bispinal line or narrower pelvis, a shorter proximal attachment of the m. psoas major will occur with greater width (L2?L5 level) in the female than in the male gender, resulting in a longer vertical distance of n. femoralis. Such results indicate a close correlation between the anatomical parameters of the m. psoas major, which may affect the distance of n. femoralis exit from the muscle.

Running Habits and Injury Frequency Following COVID-19 Restrictions in Adolescent Long-Distance Runners.

A decline in youth running was observed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether the resumption of organized running after social distancing restrictions changed running habits or injury frequency in adolescent runners. Adolescents (age = 16.1 [2.1]y) who participated in long-distance running activities completed an online survey in the Spring and Fall of 2020. Participants self-reported average weekly running habits and whether they sustained an injury during the Fall 2020 season. Poisson regression models and 1-way analysis of variance compared running habits while Fisher exact test compared differences in frequencies of injuries during Fall 2020 among season statuses (full, delayed, and canceled). All runners, regardless of season status, increased weekly distance during Fall 2020. Only runners with a full Fall 2020 season ran more times per week and more high-intensity runs per week compared with their Spring 2020 running habits. There were no differences in running volume or running-related injury frequency among Fall 2020 season statuses. There were no significant differences in running-related injury (RRI) frequency among runners, regardless of season status, following the resumption of cross-country. Health care providers may need to prepare for runners to increase running volume and intensity following the resumption of organized team activities.

Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Training Program on Strength of Lower Limb in Young Football Players

Background of the Study: Football is a sport which involve running activities. The strength of the lower limb determines the efficiency of the football player. There are numeral studies that are done to improve the strength of lower limb. This study has been focussing to evaluate the effectiveness of blood flow restriction training program to improve the strength of lower limb in young football players. The intent of the study is to find out the effects of blood flow restriction training programs to improve the strength of lower limb in young football players. Methodology: It is an experimental study with 15 football players with age group of 16-21 years were recruited from Dr.M.G.R Educational and Research Institute Velappanchavadi, Chennai. It is a simple random sampling method, collegiate male football players who are not been trained in specific lower limb strengthening program in past 6 months included in this study. Exclusion criteria; Recent fracture of players, Acute inflammation, Hypermobility of joints, any haematological condition. Results: In this study the strength of the lower limb 1RM (in kg) has increase with mean difference of 17.60 by BFR training with P VALUE > 0.0001. 60m sprint test (in seconds) has reduced with the mean distance of 0.241 by BFR training with P value > 0.0003 both outcomes found effective after BFR training among young football players. Conclusion: The study concluded that blood flow restriction training program yield the significant improvement in strength and speed of the young football players.

The Relationship between Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Hip Biomechanics: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

(1) Background and purpose: Muscular control and motor function in a patient with Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) have not yet been investigated systematically. Therefore, this review synthesis the previous results about the association of PFPS with gluteus muscle activation, hip strength, and kinematic characteristic of the hip and knee joint, to deepen understanding of the PFPS etiology and promote the establishment of an effective treatment strategy. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted from January 2000 to July 2022 in four electronic databases: Medline, Embase, Google scholar, and Scopus. A total of 846 articles were initially identified, and after the screening process based on the inclusion criteria, 12 articles were eventually included. Means and SDs of gluteus medius (GMed), gluteus maximus (GMax), hip strength, and kinematic variation of hip and knee were retrieved from the present study. (3) Results and conclusion: Regarding kinematic variation, moderate evidence indicates that an increased peak hip adduction was found in PFPS groups during running and single leg (SL) squat activities. There is no difference in the GMed and GMax activation levels between the two groups among the vast majority of functional activities. Most importantly, strong evidence suggests that hip strength is weaker in individuals with PFPS, showing less strength of hip external rotation and hip abduction compared to the control group. However, without prospective studies, it is difficult to determine whether hip strength weakness is a cause or a result of PFPS. Therefore, further research is needed to evaluate the hip strength level in identifying individuals most likely to associated with PFPS development is needed.

Sex differences in body composition, voluntary wheel running activity, balance performance, and auditory function in CBA/CaJ mice across the lifespan

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition affecting older adults and age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common form of hearing impairment. Significant sex differences in hearing have been documented in humans and rodents. In general, the results of these studies show that men lose their hearing more rapidly than women. However, the cellular mechanism underlying sex differences in hearing or hearing loss remains largely unknown, and to our knowledge, there is no well-established animal model for studying sex differences in hearing. In the current study, we examined sex differences in body composition, voluntary wheel running activity, balance performance, auditory function, and cochlear histology in young, middle-age, and old CBA/CaJ mice, a model of age-related hearing loss. As expected, body weight of young females was lower than that of males. Similarly, lean mass and total water mass of young, middle-age, and old females were lower than those of males. Young females showed higher voluntary wheel running activity during the dark cycle, an indicator of mobility, physical activity, and balance status, compared to males. Young females also displayed higher auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I amplitudes at 8 kHz, wave II, III, V amplitudes at 8 and 48 kHz, and wave IV/I and V/I amplitude ratios at 48 kHz compared to males. Collectively, our findings suggest that the CBA/CaJ mouse strain is a useful model to study the cellular mechanisms underlying sex differences in physical activity and hearing.

Segmentation Of Kartu Halo Customers Based On Lifestyle In Telkomsel Branch Manado

The sales of Kartu Halo products in Branch Manado every month at 2018 have increased significantly, this is indicated by the average increased in customer base from early January to August in 2018 of 982 customers. The increase of customer base also inline with the economic growth of North Sulawesi by 6.49% Year on Year in 2018. With the increase in economic growth, the level of expenditure in the city of Manado also increases every month, spending in the non-food sector reaches 50.76% of total monthly expenditure. 30.26% are in the goods and services sector. In large and developing cities in Indonesia has the potential for growth and lifestyle changes in terms of telecommunications services needs. Shifting of consumers behavior from wired communication to wireless mobile communication makes companies competitive to providing the best services and products to make company revenue increased. In Telkomsel, the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) generated from Kartu Halo as a postpaid card product that contributed 3.68 times more than the ARPU Telkomsel prepaid product at the end of 2017. There are various methods by the company to increased revenue growth, one of them were increasing market share. To increase the market share can be increase the customer base with offering products according to the intended customer segment. The purpose of this studies were to find out how the segmentation of Kartu Halo customers in Branch Manado based on lifestyle activities, interests, and opinions from consumers. This research is classified as a type of explorative descriptive research whose data collection is carried out by distributing questionnaires to 420 samples through social media of Kartu Halo product users at Branch Manado. The results of the questionnaire obtained valid and reliable results with a Chronbach's alpha value of 0.907. By using the two steps cluster of cluster analysis, the results of this study indicate that there are two clusters, namely the first cluster Experientials, which have Education and average income doing research, in choosing products, and running activities online. And the second cluster is Functionalist, who spends money on something important and has a high level of confidence.

Segmentation Of Kartu Halo Customers Based On Lifestyle In Telkomsel Branch Manado

The sales of Kartu Halo products in Branch Manado every month at 2018 have increased significantly, this is indicated by the average increased in customer base from early January to August in 2018 of 982 customers. The increase of customer base also inline with the economic growth of North Sulawesi by 6.49% Year on Year in 2018. With the increase in economic growth, the level of expenditure in the city of Manado also increases every month, spending in the non-food sector reaches 50.76% of total monthly expenditure. 30.26% are in the goods and services sector. In large and developing cities in Indonesia has the potential for growth and lifestyle changes in terms of telecommunications services needs. Shifting of consumers behavior from wired communication to wireless mobile communication makes companies competitive to providing the best services and products to make company revenue increased. In Telkomsel, the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) generated from Kartu Halo as a postpaid card product that contributed 3.68 times more than the ARPU Telkomsel prepaid product at the end of 2017. There are various methods by the company to increased revenue growth, one of them were increasing market share. To increase the market share can be increase the customer base with offering products according to the intended customer segment. The purpose of this studies were to find out how the segmentation of Kartu Halo customers in Branch Manado based on lifestyle activities, interests, and opinions from consumers. This research is classified as a type of explorative descriptive research whose data collection is carried out by distributing questionnaires to 420 samples through social media of Kartu Halo product users at Branch Manado. The results of the questionnaire obtained valid and reliable results with a Chronbach's alpha value of 0.907. By using the two steps cluster of cluster analysis, the results of this study indicate that there are two clusters, namely the first cluster Experientials, which have Education and average income doing research, in choosing products, and running activities online. And the second cluster is Functionalist, who spends money on something important and has a high level of confidence.

Evaluation Of Knee Meniscal Tear Frequency In Symptomatic Patients Setting MRI As Gold Standard

Background: Physical activities like sports gymnastics games, cycling, brisk walking, and running has always been a fun and important activities for people’s health and especially when it became their occupation. Due to increased unhealthy eating disorders in people, they have developed an unhealthy weight which is causing them to be weakened and causing pain especially at joints. For the diagnosis conventional radiography was never helpful because it is not for soft tissues whereas MRI is been using in muscoskeletal as modality of choice.
 Methods: total 600 patients were included in this prospective study with acute knee pain held at Lahore. 1.5 T MRI is used to rule out meniscal tears. Duration was of one year. Scans were reported by 2 expert radiologists and spss version 25.0 is used for frequency analysis. Asymptomatic patients were excluded from this study.
 Results: Knee meniscal tear frequency was ruled out in symptomatic patients including acute knee pain. Frequency was determined from 600 patients by determining male and female in them. Positive meniscal tear findings were discriminated by negative meniscal tear findings. Men has high ratio of meniscal tears because of many factors as compared to women.
 Conclusion: Jumping, supports, running and high intensity physical activities can be the cause of meniscal tear. Early evaluation of tear is necessary for the treatment of symptoms such as acute knee pain etc. Magnetic resonance imaging is non- invasive useful muscoskeletal imaging modality which can detect the tear even at very small grade such as grade 1. 

Do Vibrant Places Promote Active Living? Analyzing Local Vibrancy, Running Activity, and Real Estate Prices in Beijing

Although extensive research has investigated urban vibrancy as a critical indicator for spatial planning, urban design, and economic development, the unclear relationship between local vibrancy and active living needs to be clarified and requires more in-depth analysis. This study localizes urban vibrancy at both hyper-local and neighborhood scales by integrating high-resolution, large-scale, and heterogeneous urban datasets and analyzing interactions among variables representing vibrancy's environmental, economic, and social aspects. We utilize publicly available urban open data, Points of Interest requested from API, and leisure running trajectories acquired through data mining to investigate the spatial distribution of various vibrancy indicators and how they interact with physical activity at the local scale. Based on these variables, we then construct linear regression models and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models to test and estimate how local vibrancy and physical activity relate to residential real estate characteristics. The results reveal the strong impact of urban form on local vibrancy but not physical activeness. At the neighborhood level, all vibrancy factors are statistically significant to local residential real estate prices but with different interactions based on location. Our study highlights the importance of accounting for locality and different physical, environmental, social, and economic factors when analyzing and interpreting urban vibrancy at a granular scale within a city.

The 2011-2014 Economic Adjustment Programme for Portugal

The 2007 global crisis triggered a severe sovereign debt crisis in Portugal, which led to the need to comply with an Economic Adjustment Programme (EAP) based, among other pillars, on fiscal consolidation. According to our literature review, the economic environment in which the adjustment occurs matters. Also, the composition of the adjustment seems to be relevant to its effectiveness, with expenditure-based plans being less contractionary (or even expansionary) than tax-based plans. Our purpose is to understand, through a VAR model, which could have been the Portuguese economic path without the EAP compared with the actual one. Our results suggest that the austerity programme may have been harmful for the economic activity in the short run, but in a longer horizon it produced a better outcome than the one without the EAP application. In the absence of the EAP, the tax to GDP ratio would be below the actual, with the inverse happening for the primary public expenditure ratio and for the public debt interest rate. Overall, our results support the likelihood of less disciplined fiscal accounts in the absence of the EAP.

Effect of Metabolic Adaptation by Voluntary Running Wheel Activity and Aldosterone Inhibition on Renal Function in Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Metabolic effects of physical activity may be reno-protective in the context of hypertension, although exercise stresses kidneys. Aldosterone participates in renal disease in hypertension, but exercise affects the plasma concentration of aldosterone. This study was designed to evaluate whether physical activity and pharmacological treatment by aldosterone have additive effects on renal protection in hypertensive rats. Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) or normotensive Wistar rats performed voluntary running wheel activity alone or in combination with aldosterone blockade (spironolactone). The following groups were studied: young and pre-hypertensive SHR (n = 5 sedentary; n = 10 running wheels, mean body weight 129 g), 10-month-old Wistar rats (n = 6 sedentary; n = 6 running wheels, mean body weight 263 g), 10-month-old SHRs (n = 18 sedentary, mean body weight 224 g; n = 6 running wheels, mean body weight 272 g; n = 6 aldosterone, mean body weight 219 g; n = 6 aldosterone and running wheels, mean body weight 265 g). Another group of SHRs had free access to running wheels for 6 months and kept sedentary for the last 3 months (n = 6, mean body weight 240 g). Aldosterone was given for the last 4 months. SHRs from the running groups had free access to running wheels beginning at the age of 6 weeks. Renal function was analyzed by microalbuminuria (Alb/Cre), urinary secretion of kidney injury molecule-1 (uKim-1), and plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration. Molecular adaptation of the kidney to hypertension and its modification by spironolactone and/or exercise were analyzed by real-time PCR, immunoblots, and histology. After six months of hypertension, rats had increased Alb/Cre and BUN but normal uKim-1. Voluntary free running activity normalized BUN but not Alb/Cre, whereas spironolactone reduced Alb/Cre but not BUN. Exercise constitutively increased renal expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9; mRNA and protein) and arginase-2 (mRNA). Spironolactone reduced these effects. uKim-1 increased in rats performing voluntary running wheel activity exercise irrespectively of blood pressure and aldosterone blockade. We observed independent but no additive effects of aldosterone blockade and physical activity on renal function and on molecules potentially affecting renal lipid metabolism.

The effects of Halliwick aquatic exercises on gross motor function of children aged from 3 to 5 years with spastic cerebral palsy

Background and Study Aim. Cerebral palsy is a broad term for a variety of non-progressive, resulting in physical impairment, movement dysfunction, and poor posture. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness in the Halliwick aquatic exercise versus conventional land-based therapy on gross motor function of children aged from 3 to 5 years with spastic cerebral palsy.
 Material and Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, (n=34) children diagnosed with spastic Cerebral palsy were randomly assigned into either the Halliwick concept group (n=17) or active control (conventional exercising group) (n=17). A physiotherapist performed the sessions with participants three times a week, 45 minutes duration over 12 weeks. An independent pediatric rehabilitation specialist assessed the children’s gross motor function using the gross motor function measures (sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing, walking, running, and jumping).
 Results. After the intervention, both Halliwick concept group and conventional exercising group significantly improved activities of sitting, crawling & kneeling, standing and walking, running and jumping. Besides, the estimate of the effect of the Halliwick exercises on sitting, standing and walking, running & jumping activities was more clinically significant than conventional exercises, with sitting; MD = -0.06 [95%, CI; -0.19 to 0.32], standing; MD = 0.14 [95%, CI; -0.15-0.31], and walking, running & jumping activities; MD = -0.09 [95%, CI; -0.11 to 0.20]. None of the between-group differences for any remaining outcomes was significant.
 Conclusion. Aquatic exercises based on the Halliwick concept are better than conventional exercises to improve sitting, standing and walking, running and jumping activities in children aged 3 to 5 years with spastic cerebral palsy.