Specific Exercise Research Articles

The impact of specific anaerobic exercises on the development of kinetic performance speed and skill level for the backcourt smash in volleyball

This study examined the impact of specific anaerobic exercises on the development of kinetic performance speed ("movement speed") and the skill level of volleyball players in executing the backcourt smash (from position 6). The researchers employed an experimental methodology using a single experimental group with pre- and post-tests. The sample included 12 players from the Abu Risha Volleyball Club participating in the premier league. Over eight weeks, the players underwent three training sessions per week, with three training sessions per week. The practical part of the training sessions began with the main section, each lasting 15 minutes dedicated to anaerobic exercises. The post-test results were statistically analyzed and discussed scientifically, supported by relevant academic sources. The researchers concluded that the specific anaerobic exercises significantly enhanced both the straight and diagonal kinetic performance speeds and skill levels of the backcourt smash from position 6, particularly towards positions 1 and 5. The researchers recommend adopting these exercises when aiming to develop the kinetic performance speed or skill level of volleyball players, to achieve high-level performance in the game.

Clinicians' priorities for exercise programming for people receiving peritoneal dialysis: Qualitative content analysis from an international survey.

Exercise and physical activity have been shown to improve health outcomes among people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD), however, little is known about PD clinicians' perceptions and practices regarding exercise counselling. To inform exercise program design and implementation, we distributed a cross-sectional online questionnaire to PD clinicians between July and December 2021 through professional nephrology societies and networks. As part of this survey, participants were asked, "What are the most important aspects you would like to see incorporated in an exercise program for PD patients?" Six hundred and nine respondents provided 1249 unique perspectives. Responses were coded using summative content analysis and grouped into themes. The overarching theme identified was the need for individualized and accessible programming. Under this umbrella, the four main sub-themes identified were: promotion of specific exercises, overcoming common barriers to exercise, perceived cornerstones of exercise prescriptions, and program design to address patient-relevant outcomes. Overall, PD clinicians believed that PD does not preclude exercise participation and recognized the potential for exercise to improve physical, mental, and social well-being. The involvement of exercise professionals was valued in PD clinical programs. However, additional education for practitioners and patients regarding safety and the benefits of exercise is required to assist in widespread implementation and acceptance of exercise programming in the PD population.

Age-related decline of motor unit firing rate in community-dwelling healthy older adults and daily ingestion of fish protein of Alaska pollack: a randomised trial

Neuromuscular properties decline with ageing and low-level physical activities. Alaska pollack protein (APP) is reportedly effective for improving skeletal muscular functions, even if the amount is small and exercise is not conducted. However, it is unclear whether APP intake without an exercise program affects neuromuscular dysfunction in community-dwelling adults conducting normal, everyday activities. This study aimed to investigate changes in motor unit firing properties by adding APP to daily meals in community-dwelling older adults. They were divided into an APP group or a placebo control (CON) group for randomised, double-blind treatment. Participants in APP (n = 15) and CON (n = 17) groups ingested 4.5 g/d APP and whey protein, respectively, added to daily meals for 3 months without a specific exercise intervention. High-density surface electromyography of the vastus lateralis to assess the individual motor unit firing rate during 70% of maximum voluntary ramp-up contraction (MVC), maximum knee extensor strength, muscle thickness, echo intensity, and a physical function test were evaluated at the baseline, as well as 1.5 and 3 months after the intervention. While muscle strength, muscle thickness, and motor function were not changed, the motor unit firing rate at 50%–70% of MVC showed a significant decline at 1.5 and 3 months in the CON group, but this decline was not observed in the APP group. These findings suggest that neuromuscular properties show a detectable decline on performing daily activities without a specific exercise intervention, but such a decline was not observed in the APP intake group.

High-intensity interval training vs. yoga in improving binge eating and physical fitness in inactive young females

Yoga is effective in binge eating disorder (BED) treatment, but it does not seem effective enough to improve low physical fitness. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective in improving physical fitness but has never been studied in the context of BED. In the study, 47 young inactive females with mild to moderate BED were recruited and randomly assigned to a HIIT group (HIIT), a Yoga group (YG), or a control group (CG; age, 19.47 ± 0.74, 19.69 ± 0.874, and 19.44 ± 0.63 years; BMI, 21.07 ± 1.66, 21.95 ± 2.67, and 20.68 ± 2.61 kg/m2, respectively). The intervention groups participated in 8-week specific exercises, while the CG maintained their usual daily activity. Before and after the training, participants were evaluated for BED using the binge eating scale (BES) and for physical fitness. The obtained data were compared within groups and between groups, and a correlation analysis between BES and physical fitness parameters was performed. After the training, the YG presented significant improvements in BES (− 20.25%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.408), fat mass (FM, − 3.13%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.269), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, 11.51%, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.601), whereas the HIIT showed significant improvements in body weight (BW, − 1.78%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.433), FM (− 3.94%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.285), and BMI (− 1.80%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.428), but not in BES. Comparisons between groups revealed that both HIIT and YG had significantly higher VO2max levels than CG (HIIT 12.82%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.088; YG: 11.90%, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.088) with no difference between HIIT and YG. Additionally, YG presented significantly lower BES than both HIIT (15.45%, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.03) and CG (11.91%, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.03). In conclusion, Yoga is an effective treatment for BED, but HIIT is not, despite its high efficacy in improving physical fitness.

Effectiveness Of Manual Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Migraine: A Case Study

A common feature of migraine is throbbing pain in one area of the head that lasts for four to seventy-two hours. Other symptoms include light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Manual therapy treatment for the management of headaches commonly consists of mobilization and relaxation in combination with specific exercises, posture corrections and myofascial soft tissue techniques. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a non invasive analgesic technique used in the treatment of nociceptive, neuropathic and Musculo-skeletal pain.

Validation of a laser visual feedback and core stability exercise programme to improve lateropulsion reduction and pushing intensity in stroke patients with pusher syndrome: A Delphi study.

The patient with pusher syndrome (PS) is characterized by showing postural control alterations due to a lack of perception of his own body in the space. It appears when the patient actively pushes with his unaffected limbs towards the injured side, reacting with resistance to passive straightening towards the midline. Between 10% and 50% of strokes present PS. Nowadays, there is no clearly defined treatment for PS. To design and validate an exercise program using visual feedback and specific core stability exercises (FeViCoS) for the treatment of patients with PS. Validation was conducted by expert consensus using the Delphi method. Thirteen neurorehabilitation experts participated in the process. An online questionnaire with 18 Likert-type questions was used to evaluate the designed program. Consensus was considered reached if there was convergence between the quartile 1 and 3 values (RIQ=Q1-Q3) or if the relative interquartile range (RIR) was less than 20%. The degree of agreement between experts was measured by calculating the Fleiss' kappa coefficient. A total of 2 rounds were required to achieve 97.44% consensus with 100% participation. The RIR was less than or equal to 20% for all questions. The Fleiss' kappa index (0.831) showed that the degree of agreement between experts was excellent. Neurorehabilitation experts considered FeViCoS valid for the therapeutic approach to patients with PS. Expert consensus suggests a novel strategy in physical therapy clinical practice to improve balance and postural orientation in patients with subacute stroke and PS.

Ultrasound Imaging of Lumbar Multifidus Morphology and Quality – A Prospective Study on Monitoring Acute Adaptations to Specific Exercise and on Reliability

OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability of a rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) protocol for analyzing lumbar multifidus morphologic characteristics for use by clinicians, and to analyze the specificity of isolated lumbar extension resistance exercise (ILEX) DESIGN: Intrarater reliability and interrater (imaging and quantification) reliability. METHODS: A standardized RUSI protocol was developed and the reliability of the procedure and image analysis (intraclass correlations coefficient [ICC], standard error of the measurement [SEM], minimum detectable change [MDC%]) was analyzed. Lumbar multifidus RUSI measures of muscles thickness, cross-sectional area, and echogenicity were obtained before and after 1 ILEX set with uniform time under tension and range of motion (12°-42°). RESULTS: Intrarater (between-day) reliability was similar (ICC, 0.88-0.97; SEM, 0.14-5.08; MDC%: 11-20) compared to interrater (same day) imaging reliability (ICC, 0.91-0.99; SEM, 0.09-3.78; MDC%, 8-15) and interrater quantification reliability (ICC, 0.83-0.97; SEM, 0.07-2.80; MDC%: 6-25). There was a significant increase of lumbar multifidus muscle thickness (pre-ILEX, 2.94 cm; post-ILEX, 3.16 cm; P<.001) and lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area (pre-ILEX, 7.61 cm2; post-ILEX, 8.42 cm2; P<.001) but a nonsignificant effect on echogenicity (pre-ILEX, 73.12; post-ILEX, 72.05; P = .257). CONCLUSION: RUSI is a reliable and easy-to-use diagnostic tool for lumbar multifidus muscle quality and morphology in daily practice. The tool is sensitive to change as shown using ILEX. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):354-363. Epub 7 August 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.0253

Effect of hamstring stretching for improving body function or activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term disease characterized by abnormalities in the cartilage in the joints which causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain, decreased flexibility and impaired functional activities. Purpose: To determine effect of hamstring stretching for improving body function or activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental approach. Participants were selected using random sampling and the Issac & Michael formula, resulting in 30 participants who were divided into two groups, namely 15 participants in the intervention group and 15 participants in the control group from Sebelas Maret University Hospital. Pre-test and post-test functional activity assessments using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) instrument in the intervention and control groups. Univariate statistical analysis was conducted, including a shapiro wilk and one way anova test. Results: Intervention group and control group have a p-value <0.05, meaning that functional activity has an effect on have hamstring stretching exercise on increasing functional activity in knee osteoarthritis patients. Conclusion: Hamstring strengthening exercise on increasing the ability of functional activities in knee osteoarthritis. This can be considered as evidence that specific exercise interventions on the hamstring muscles provide positive benefits in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Are general exercises more effective than specific exercises for nonspecific chronic neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Are general exercises more effective than specific exercises for nonspecific chronic neck pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Effect of some Special Exercises for the Explosive Ability of the Distinct Leg, which is Developing the Accuracy of Performing the Pressing Skill in Football Tennis

جاءت أهمية البحث في استخدام تمرينات خاصة في تعلم مهارة الكبس لتنس كرة القدم مستوى أداء بعض القدرات البدنية والقواعد الدفاعية لعينة البحث . تكمن مشكلة البحث في معرفة تأثير تمرينات الخاصة في تعلم مهارة الكبس لتنس كرة القدم لأن للعضلات العاملة اثناء مرحلة الاداء وبسبب قلة استعمال الوسائل والأدوات التدريبية المساعدة الحديثة في تعلم وبعد الاطلاع الباحثتان على المصادر والمراجع اثبتت وجود مشكلة في مهارة الكبس لتنس كرة القدم من حيث الاداء الحركي للاعب التي تكون فيها المرونة هي الاساس حيث ان اهداف البحث هو معرفة تأثير التمرينات الخاصة في تطوير دقة اداء مهارة الكبس لتنس كرة القدم . اذ استخدمت الباحثتان المنهج التجريبي ذات المجموعة الواحدة لملائمة طبيعة البحث (المشكلة ) تم اختيار مجتمع البحث من ناشئين اكاديمية الحلم لتنس كرة القدم البالغ عددهم (25) لاعب فقد تم اختيار العينة من مجتمع الاصل بالطريقة العشوائية والبالغ عددهم (10) لاعبين , قامت الباحثتان بأجراء التجربة الاستطلاعية بتاريخ 10/12/2023 ليوم (الأحد ) في الساعة الثالثة مساءآ على عينة مكونة من ( 10) لاعبين , قامت الباحثتان بأجراء اختبار القبلي 13/12/2023 لأفراد عينة البحث( 10 لاعبين ) التجربة الرئيسية , وبعدها قامتا بأجراء التجربة الرئيسية يوم 20/12/2023 الموافق يوم الأربعاء وفي الساعة الثالثة مساءآ في اكاديمية الحلم لتنس كرة القدم وبعد التأكد من صلاحية الاختبارات في التجربة الاستطلاعية وتطبيق الاختبارات المعنية بالبحث ، وبعدها قامت الباحثتان بتطبيق التمرينات الخاصة بالقدرة الانفجارية لمدة (6) أسابيع وبواقع (3) وحدات تدريبية في الأسبوع ، وبعد اجراء التجربة الرئيسية قامت الباحثتان بأجراء الاختبار البعدي بتاريخ 25/1/2024م في نفس الظروف للأختبار القبلي , وبعد الحصول على النتائج قامت الباحثتان بمعالجتها عن طريق الحقيبة الاحصائية وبعد تحليل النتائج توصلت الباحثتان إلى استنتاجات أهمها ، إن للتمرينات الخاصة للقدرة الانفجارية تأثير ايجابي في تطوير الرجل المميزة وبالتالي تطوير دقة أداء مهارة الكبس لتنس كرة القدم. وهذا ما يحقق احد اهداف التنمية المستدامة للامم المتحدة في العراق (الصحة الجيدة).

An Innovative Approach To Increasing Speech And Language Therapy Intensity For Stroke Patients

Abstract Background Different national guidelines exist for the provision of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) intensity for stroke patients. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on stroke rehabilitation in Adults (2023) advises 3 hours of multidisciplinary therapy a day, five days a week. The National Clinical guideline for Stroke for the UK and Ireland (2023) does not include SLT in this 3-hour provision of motor therapy, but advises 45 minutes of SLT a day, 5 days a week. Poor SLT staffing levels are commonplace, more recently exacerbated by the HSE recruitment embargo, posing significant challenges to rehabilitation provision. Methods A Speech and Language Therapist in a stroke service assessed whether the use of Therapy assistants could add to the delivery of the targeted 45 minutes of SLT. Training was provided in the execution of speech, language and swallow rehabilitation exercises, using patient specific exercise packs. A month of data collection started on 8 patients. Intensity was measured in 3 percentage groups: Results When rehabilitation was provided by SLT alone, 7 patients received insufficient therapy intensity. One patient scored in the moderate group. With the added input of stroke assistants, 4 patients received sufficient therapy time, 3 patients scored in the moderate group and only one patient received insufficient therapy. Conclusion Use of Stroke assistants for the provision of SLT rehabilitation exercises, can be an effective tool in increasing SLT intensity. Training is time intensive, but essential to make assistants knowledgeable and competent in their abilities. All rehabilitation should be under direct supervision of SLT. However, we should not use stroke assistants to mask or minimise the need for adequate SLT resourcing, as specified in international standards.

Special exercises using tools and their effect on learning the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand on the horizontal bar

Special exercises in individual games are an important pillar in learning their basic skills. The aim of the research is to prepare special exercises using tools and their effect on learning the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand - knowing the effect of special exercises using tools and their effect on learning the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand on the horizontal bar. Either the research assumes the existence of significant differences in the pre- and post-tests in learning the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand on the horizontal bar in favor of the post-test. The researchers used the experimental method with a single sample design to suit the research problem, as the research community was determined by (12) players affiliated with the Baghdad Governorate Gymnastics Training Center and affiliated with the Iraqi Central Gymnastics Federation, and their ages ranged between (9-13) years, and they are the junior category. As for the research sample, the researchers chose (8) players, and the research sample was chosen intentionally and (4) players were excluded from the original research community, while the exploratory sample consisted of (3) players from the research community, and the research sample constituted (66%) of the research community. The exploratory sample (25%) of it. The researchers concluded: Conclusions: Special exercises affected learning and improving the performance of the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand on the horizontal bar for juniors - The use of special tools also had a not insignificant role in learning and improving the performance of the skill of landing with Salto backward tucked to stand. The researchers recommend using special exercises using tools to teach other basic skills on the horizontal bar and other devices.

The Effect of Special Exercises According to Specific Areas device On Learning low forehand reverse Of Squash Players Aged 13-15 years old

The research aims to prepare special exercises according to specific areas in the accuracy of performing the reverse low blow for squash players, and to identify the effect of special exercises according to specific areas in the accuracy of performing the reverse low blow for squash players. To achieve the goal, the researchers used the experimental method by designing the experimental and control groups with pre- and post-tests to suit it with the research problem. The research population was chosen intentionally, and they are junior squash players aged (13-15) years, who number (12 junior players), as the research sample constituted (100%). ) From the research community, they were chosen intentionally because there were no other players in the game of squash. After the tests and variables to be studied were determined, the researchers conducted the exploratory experiment as well as the pre-test, and then the exercises were applied during the training units. After completing the training units, the researchers conducted the post-test on the sample, and the researchers used the statistical package (Spss), and the researchers concluded that the exercises The special exercises contributed significantly to increasing the learning rate of the forward reverse low blow. These exercises also contributed to adding an atmosphere of suspense, excitement, and enthusiasm to the research sample, which contributed to breaking the deadlock in diversifying the exercises. The researchers recommend using the exercises prepared by the researcher, and creating exercises that suit the needs and level of The selected sample, and the necessity of conducting similar research on samples from other categories.

Effect of a Specific Warm-up based on Oppositional Wrestling Games on The Technical Performance and Mental Health of Physical Education Students

Background and study aim. This study explored the impact of two different specific warm-up protocols (consisting of either opposition games or classical exercises) on technical-tactical performance, intrinsic motivation and stress levels in wrestling schoolchildren. Materials and methods. Sixty-three schoolchildren divided into two parallel groups (specific warm-up opposition game group: EG, n = 18, aged 12.42 ± 0.87 years; and classical specific warm-up group: CG, n = 18, aged 12.41 ± 0.78 years) who completed three 75-minute sessions over four weeks practicing different specific warm-up exercises. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS to find the normality, mean and standard deviation. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure differences in mental health and technical-tactical performance for both group. Results. Several results emerged from this study; (i) EG who followed a specific warm-up program based on opposition games performed better in the wrestling test and were able to improve the number of successful leg attack skills, with a significant interaction compared to CG, (ii) EG obtained a better leg attack score due to their quality of execution and (iii) Compared with children in the CG group children in the EG group feel happy and motivated and their stress levels decrease. Conclusion. Wrestling teaching and training specialists should be convinced of the beneficial effects of exercises based on opposition games on students' technical and mental skills.

Traditional and debate-focused flipped methodology in the teaching of “English Narrative”

Introduction: This research presents a practice of flipped learning for the subject of “English Narrative”, taught in the degree of Modern Languages at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Methodology: A group of 25 students has received two variants of this methodology: traditional and debate-focused flipped classroom to study two recognised writers of English literature: Charles Dickens and E. M. Forster. Results: Dickens’s lesson has followed a traditional flipped classroom, where the group has seen a presentation about the novelist and his work made by the teacher outside class. The time spent in the face-to-face session has been devoted to doing specific exercises and deepening into the author’s style. Forster’s lesson has applied a debate-focused flipped learning, where the group has also seen a similar presentation. The questions are oriented towards the contrast of ideas to generate a discussion in class that favours the exchange of opinions. Discussion: The evaluation of this experience has been performed by means of questionnaires in which the methodology of flipped learning has been preferred over the more traditional one, even though the latter is largely valued. Conclusions: The students’ suggestions will be considered when applying this methodology to most authors of “English Narrative”.

The use of the 360 MD Huber platform in rehabilitation of lumbar radiculopathies, chronic period

Low back pain (LBP) is a common medical condition with a negative impact on quality of life and work. It also leads to financial costs for the health system by increasing the costs of medical treatment. Numerous studies have focused on the effects of exercise, with some highlighting the role of protective studies in LBP while other studies have shown no beneficial. There is moderate-certainty evidence that therapeutic exercise is beneficial in the treatment of chronic low back pain compared with other treatment modalities. Muscle strengthening and the creation of spinal mobility through specific exercise is a recognized therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of LBP. The main objecvtive is to evaluate the effectiveness of a physi-cal therapy program utilizing the 360 Huber platform on the quality of life for individuals with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants diagnosed with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Participants were divided into an ex-perimental group (n=20) receiving the 360 Huber platform-based rehabilitation protocol, and a control group (n=10) continuing standard care. The intervention included 15 sessions of physical therapy on the 360 Huber platform, complemented by electrotherapy and therapeutic massage. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in functional outcomes and quality of life. The experimental group demonstrat-ed a significant reduction in ODI scores, with an average decrease of 1.85 points (10.11%) from 18.30 to 16.45. The paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) and a very large effect size (1.11), indicating substantial improvements in functional outcomes. The control group showed no significant changes. The rehabilitation protocol using the 360 Huber platform, combined with electrotherapy and therapeutic massage, effectively im-proves functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. The study highlights the potential of integrating advanced technology with traditional physical therapy methods to enhance treatment efficacy. Future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is recommended to confirm these findings and explore additional therapeutic modalities.

Reverse periodization in ultratrail: The road to the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships of an elite female ultrarunner

Introduction and Purpose Traditionally, linear periodization has been widely applied to endurance training programs, whereas reverse periodization has been often used for shorter endurance events (Clemente-Suárez et al., 2015; Clemente-Suárez et al., 2018; Clemente-Suárez & Ramos-Campo, 2019) and fitness (Prestes et al., 2009). The aim of this study was to describe the training characteristics of a Spanish high-level female ultrarunner in her preparation to the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships using a reverse linear periodization model. Methods Day-by-day data training of 1 study subject for 29 weeks (from November 2022 to June 2023) was retrospectively analyzed. Training form (endurance, strength or complementary sessions), intensity (low-, moderate-, and high-intensity training), intensity distribution, exercise endurance mode (cycling, elliptical, running or trail running) and specific exercise mode goal session (running uphill, running flat, running downhill, hiking or mixed) were considered. Specific sessions, key competitions, tapering, hypoxia period and periodization were also analyzed. Results An average training of 8 hr and 53 min per week, covering 87.2 km and 3,755 m of altitude gain, was completed. The hardest week consisted of 14 hr and 58 min, 145 km, and 7,552 m of altitude gain. Distribution percentage of the training form of total training time was ~60% of running, ~17% cross training (mainly road cycling) and ~11% of strength training. Intensity distribution varied considering specificity and characteristics of the main races, progressing from more polarized to pyramidal pattern distribution. Moreover, running volume increased during the preparation period and more specific sessions and with mixed specific exercise modes was realized close to the main races, with the longest trail run of 4 hr 18 min of duration. Training in hypoxia was also completed, and tapering started 12 days before the world championship. In addition to the World Championship, National Championship races were held during the preparation period, where a 4th and a 3rd place in the Marathon (February 2023) and Ultratrail (April 2023) National Championships, respectively, was achieved. Discussion Reverse periodization has been successfully implemented in an elite female ultrarunner, finishing 11th in the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Reverse periodization was planned and completed, mainly considering volume and tendency of distribution, going from a polarized pattern to a pyramidal one. Moreover, overall planning and key sessions progressed in specificity, developing more rolling-hill trail runs, longer trail runs, longer longest trail run of the week, and more specific exercise modes (i.e. more hiking and mixed sessions vs flats runs) along the macrocycle. Conclusion Training specificity in trail running, considering race intensity, exercise mode and race characteristics (i.e., elevation gain and distance) progressed during the macrocycle. Reverse periodization can be successfully implemented in ultratrail running by focusing on specific training and race demands, especially close to the main races.

Lifestyle intervention improves cognition and quality of life in persons with early Multiple Sclerosis

BackgroundLifestyle changes have been demonstrated to impact pathophysiology in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Various diet and exercise protocols have been reported to improve symptoms and function in persons with MS. Evidence is accumulating that interventions as early as possible in the disease course are warranted. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a remotely delivered lifestyle program focusing on specific diet and exercise recommendations in persons with early MS. MethodsMS patients, with disease diagnosis no more than 2 years prior, were recruited from the patient population of the MS clinic of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Participants followed recommendations for diet and exercise delivered via remote heath coaching. Each participant received 6 sessions with a health coach over a 12-week period. They were given parameters of a Mediterranean-type diet to follow, and specific and individualized recommendations about duration, intensity and type of exercise and physical activity. Outcome measures included Quality of Life (QOL), cognition (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT), fatigue (Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Impact Scale, MFIS), fitness (estimated with Metabolic equivalents, METS) and other objective and patient reported outcomes (PRO). Changes in outcomes were analyzed using mixed effects general linear models and standardized pre-post differences.(Cohen's d) ResultsFifteen persons with early (≤ 2 years) MS enrolled in the study, 14 of whom completed the study. We observed significant improvements in QOL (p = 0.02), SDMT (p = 0.006), fatigue(p = 0.005), fitness (p = 0.04), and other PRO and objective metrics at the end of the protocol compared to baseline. Adherence and patient satisfaction measures were high. ConclusionsSpecific and individualized lifestyle recommendations can be effectively delivered remotely, and may produce improvement in symptoms and function in persons with early MS. Larger controlled trials of these interventions are warranted.

Specific diet and exercise patterns exert discernible effects on acute ketone metabolism in healthy adults: a cross-over observational study

Specific diet and exercise patterns exert discernible effects on acute ketone metabolism in healthy adults: a cross-over observational study

Changes in primitive reflexes in older adults and their relationship to mental health indices: An experimental investigation

The reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) in older age is related to cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no means to prevent or slow their reappearance, but research evidence exists for their control in children. Therefore, this experiment investigated whether a 16-week special sensorimotor exercise program could benefit older adults and whether the intervention-induced changes (if any) may be associated with various indices of mental health. Of 115 adults over 60, 95 completed the study (mean age = 76.37 ± SD = 7.04 years, 22 % men). The experimental group (n = 38) showed an almost threefold decline in PRs compared to controls. In contrast, the control group (n = 57) exhibited a nearly threefold increase in PRs compared to the intervention group. Cognitive function increased in the experimental but not in the control group. Changes in PRs over the 16-week intervention were positively related to negative mental health indices (hopelessness and perceived stress) and negatively related to well-being. These findings suggest that the here-presented mild sensorimotor exercises could affect older adults' reemerging PRs and that changes in PRs are associated with mental health benefits. These results may open new research avenues toward preventing cognitive and psychological decline in older adults.