Step Exercise Research Articles

The effect of the fat to starch ratio in young horses' diet on plasma metabolites, muscle endurance and fear responses.

High-starch diets may affect equine hindgut microbiota and increase blood glucose levels, which may cause unwanted physiological changes, but may also elicit behavioural changes such as increased fear reactions. The purpose of the current study was to feed a high starch (300) and low fat (43; HS_LF) or a low starch (60) and high fat (85; LS_HF, g/kg of DM) concentrate within the available commercial range and investigate how muscle endurance and fear reactions of horses respond to different diets. Twenty Danish Warmblood stallions (4 years) were randomly allocated to two treatments: LS_HF (n = 10) and HS_LF (n = 10) for 9 weeks. During the two last weeks, a single step exercise test was performed, and plasma metabolites and blood gases were measured before and after exercise in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The effect of two diets on fearfulness was tested by exposing the horses to novel objects test (T1 and T2). Plasma metabolites was not affected by diets. However, plasma level of glucose post-exercise (4.9) was lower than pre-exercise (5.6 mmol/L; p < 0.001). Similarly, plasma level of insulin post-exercise (4.2) was lower than pre-exercise (13.1 pmol/L; p < 0.001). Plasma level of lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001), non-esterified fatty acids (p = 0.002), β-hydroxybutyrate (p = 0.001), and fructosamine (p = 0.01) post-exercise was higher than pre-exercise. Regardless of type of diets, RRR-α-tocopherol was the dominance α-tocopherol stereoisomers in plasma. In conclusion, during aerobic exercise, fat to starch ratio in horse diets within the normal range had no significant effect on plasma metabolites. However, horses fed LS_HF tended to show more investigative behaviour than horses fed HS_LF.

Exploring the Application of Force Intelligent Wearable Devices in Quantitative Management of Daily Physical Activity

This study looks into how force-intelligent wearable devices can be used to quantitatively manage daily physical activity levels. The study intends to investigate the effectiveness of these devices in measuring various physical activity metrics such as step count, distance walked, calories burned, and exercise intensity. A thorough methodology is used, which includes device selection, participant recruiting, data collecting, and analysis methods. Participants wear the selected wearable devices continuously for a set amount of time, enabling longitudinal tracking of daily physical activity patterns. The acquired data is evaluated using statistical analysis approaches such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and cross-demographic group comparisons. The findings provide insights into participants' activity levels, device accuracy, user engagement, and relationships between various physical activity measures. The study's findings help to better understand the usefulness of force-intelligent wearable devices in promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes. Further research in this area could help to inform programs aimed at increasing physical activity and general well-being.

Effects of Square Stepping Exercise on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults: A center-based hybrid trial

BackgroundThe Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) is an exercise training program that integrates physical exercise and cognitive elements and can be conducted in a group setting. The potential of SSE in delaying cognitive decline in older adults is promising. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult for older adults worldwide to exercise together in person. To address this issue, this study conducted a wholistic evaluation of the effects of a center-based hybrid SSE trial on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults.MethodsA total of 93 older adults (19 men, 74 women) participated in the study. Fifty-eight participants (9 men, 49 women) completed center-based hybrid SSE sessions over 12 weeks under coronavirus pandemic circumstances, whereas other 35 participants in the control group maintained their current level of daily activities. Cognitive functions focused on executive functions assessed by the Stroop Color-Word Test (inhibition) and the Trail Marking Test (TMT) (set-shifting). Psychological and group functioning were assessed by the Subjective Vitality Scale and the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire. Physical function was evaluated by measuring gait speeds. A repeated ANOVA was conducted on the measured variables separately for the intervention and control groups to focus on the change of participant’s performance over data collection points.ResultsOutcomes of the Stroop Color-Word Test and the TMT revealed that the hybrid SSE was highly effective in improving executive function. Stroop performance (correct trials) was significantly improved in the incongruent condition, as well as both TMT-A and -B over the intervention period in the intervention group. The hybrid SSE was also beneficial to improve physical (gait speed at usual pace and at the maximum pace) as well as psychological functioning (subjective vitality). Furthermore, SSE participants reported increased engagement with the SSE task, social communication, and increased bonding and closeness with their group members through the hybrid SSE.ConclusionsIn this study, hybrid SSE was found to be effective in enhancing cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults. The findings of this study are crucial to provide older adults with a safer and efficient option to exercise.

High-intensity interval training improves respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments before and after initiation of exercise.

Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may induce training-specific physiological adaptations such as improved respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments before and after the onset of high-intensity exercise, leading to improved exercise performance during high-intensity exercise. The present study investigated the effects of HIIT on time-dependent cardiorespiratory adjustment during maximal exercise and before and after initiation of high-intensity exercise, as well as on maximal exercise performance. Methods: 21 healthy male college students were randomly assigned to HIIT group (n = 11) or control group (n = 10). HIIT group performed training on a cycle ergometer once a week for 8 weeks. The training consisted of three bouts of exercise at 95% maximal work rate (WRmax) until exhaustion. Before and after the HIIT program, dynamic cardiorespiratory function was investigated by ramp and step exercise tests, and HIIT-induced cardiac morphological changes were assessed using echocardiography. Results: HIIT significantly improved not only maximal oxygen uptake and minute ventilation, but also maximal heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and time to exhaustion in both exercise tests (p < 0.05). Time-dependent increases in minute ventilation (VE) and HR before and at the start of exercise were significantly enhanced after HIIT. During high-intensity exercise, there was a strong correlation between percent change (from before to after HIIT program) in time to exhaustion and percent change in HRmax (r = 0.932, p < 0.001). Furthermore, HIIT-induced cardiac morphological changes such as ventricular wall hypertrophy was observed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that HIIT at 95% WRmax induces training-specific adaptations such as improved cardiorespiratory adjustments, not only during maximal exercise but also before and after the onset of high-intensity exercise, improvement of exercise performance mainly associated with circulatory systems.

Effects of stepped speech rehabilitation and psychological intervention on speech disorders and cognitive function in Parkinson disease patients

To examine the impact of stepwise speech rehabilitation exercise therapy in the treatment of patients with Parkinson speech problems under psychological intervention on clinical results and cognitive functioning. Parkinson speech disorder patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group for training respectively. The control group used conventional nursing methods, including training in orofacial movement, vocalization, pitch, volume and breath control. The observation group used stepwise speech rehabilitation exercise intervention combined with psychotherapy nursing programme. In the statistical analysis, independent sample t-test and chi-square test were used to test the significance of the data processing methods. In the statistical analysis of baseline functional level (P &gt; .05). The difference was not statistically significant. After 7 weeks of training, the mFDA level and speech intelligibility increased in both the observation and control groups. From the situation analysis of “modified drinking test” and the comparison of UPDRS-I scores, it can be seen that dysphagia and Parkinson dysphasia were reduced in both groups after training. The observation group spontaneous speech dimension was greater than the control group by around 0.07 in the aphasia comparison. Both groups displayed an upward trend in their MMSE and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) when measuring cognitive function; the evaluation of P300, constructive function, and quality of life revealed this. The observation group P300 potential score was 0.13 points higher than that of the control group. The therapeutic training of stepped speech rehabilitation exercise care combined with psychological intervention has significant nursing effects on patients with Parkinson disease speech disorders, and the patients’ cognitive functions have been effectively improved.

PERCEIVED FEASIBILITY TO IMPLEMENT A TASK-ORIENTED EXERCISE PROGRAM BY FITNESS STAFF AT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Abstract Older adults who relocate to senior living communities have a desire to maintain their independence. The fitness infrastructure within these communities is a great platform to deliver evidence-based exercise programs to support residents’ independence, especially for those who have experienced activity limitations. Task-oriented exercise incorporates daily activities into exercise strategies and has been recommended as an approach to reduce late-life disability. The current study used an interview research design to determine the feasibility of implementing 3-Step Workout for Life, a task-oriented program, in senior living communities. The 3-Step Workout for Life program consists of gym-based group resistance exercise and home-based one-on-one activity exercise. Fourteen fitness instructors from different communities, with independent living units, in the state of Florida completed the study. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent thematic analysis. Instructors perceived the screening procedure to select and enroll residents in this program could help match residents to the right fitness program. The gym-based group resistance exercise is compatible with existing instructor-led fitness programs. Although instructors perceived the home-based one-on-one activity exercise positively, such as the potential benefits for frail residents who do not attend the gym, they acknowledged several barriers to implementing this exercise. Major barriers include their job responsibility restricting them from working in the resident’s home, their belief that activity exercise should be better delivered by a rehabilitation professional, and limited staff to support the one-on-one format. The next step is to collaborate with community stakeholders to address these barriers and build capacity to implement task-oriented exercise programs.

Differences In The Effect Of The Combination Of Square Stepping And Gaze Stabilization With Square Stepping And Core Stability On Dynamic Balance In The Elderly

Physiological changes in the elderly occur related to skeletal muscle changes and are related to the balance of the fall risk assessment. Therefore, researchers provide Square Stepping, Gaze stabilization, and Core stability exercise interventions to improve dynamic balance. Square stepping exercise is an exercise to improve lower extremity functional fitness. Gaze Stabilization is an exercise to improve balance by way of cooperation between the vestibular system and the visual system. While Core Stability is a special exercise intended to help improve abdominal and lumbo pelvic muscles in trunk stability. The purpose of the study was to determine the difference in the effect between the combination of Square stepping and Gaze stabilization exercise with Square stepping and Core stability exercise on improving dynamic balance in the elderly. This research is a quantitative study with a quasi experimental type of research. The sample amounted to 30 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. Measurement of dynamic balance using TUGT. The Square Stepping intervention was carried out 3 times a week for 4 weeks, Gaze Stabilisation was carried out 3 times a week for 4 weeks and Core Stability was carried out 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Based on the Mann-Whitney Test using the TUGT measurement instrument, a significance value of 0.034 (p 0.05) was obtained. The results of this study indicate that there is a difference in the effect between giving square stepping and gaze stabilization with square stepping and core stability exercise on improving dynamic balance in the elderly.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Arterial Stiffness in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aerobic exercise is a cost-effective intervention to improve arterial stiffness, but its effects on older people are unclear; this review aims to determine those effects. Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of aerobic exercises. Backward and forward citations and clinical trial registries were also reviewed. Data were extracted and synthesized. A random-effects model was used in a meta-analysis. The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were also assessed. The protocol of this review was registered (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349494). Eighteen studies (n = 775) were identified. Aerobic exercises included cycling, walking, swimming, standing core exercise, bench step exercise, aquarobic exercise, jogging, running, upper-limb cycling, and aquatic walking. Postintervention, improvements were seen in the pulse wave velocity (SMD9 = -0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI)-1.57 to -0.22), arterial velocity-pulse index (MD2 = -6.84, 95% CI -9.05 to -4.63), and arterial pressure-volume index (MD2 = -4.97, 95% CI -6.9 to -3.04), but not in the augmentation index, arterial compliance, or beta stiffness index. Exercise lasting >8 weeks but not 4-8 weeks significantly improved pulse wave velocity. Aerobic exercise had a beneficial effect on healthy older people but not on older people with disease. The overall risk of bias was high in 9 of the included studies, with some concerns in the remaining studies. The certainty of the evidence was very low. Aerobic exercises, particularly those lasting >8 weeks, appear to be effective at improving pulse wave velocity in older people postintervention. Future trials with robust designs are needed.

Tai Chi as a complementary exercise for pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesWith the characteristics of mindfulness and breathing techniques, Tai Chi has been recommended with therapeutic values in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its strengths as a complementary exercise for conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) remain unclear. Design and settingThis single-blinded randomised controlled trial recruited patients with mild to severe stable COPD. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the group with usual care (control), total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) exercise, Tai Chi (TC), or combined TBRS exercise and Tai Chi (TBRS-TC). Patients received a two-month hospital-based supervised exercise, followed by a ten-month community- or home-based rehabilitation program. ResultsA total of 120 participants were recruited, and 102 were included in the per-protocol analysis. The mean changes in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score from baseline to the post-hospital exercise in the control group, TBRS group, TC group, and TBRS-TC group was 2.62 (95 % CI −8.99 to 8.99), −9.28 (95 % CI −13.96 to −4.60), −10.19 (95 % CI −13.72 to −6.67), and −16.75 (95 % CI −20.25 to −13.24), respectively, with a statistically significant difference between groups in favor of the TBRS-TC exercise (P < 0.001). The remarkable effect of TBRS-TC exercise in improving the quality of life maintained until the end of the community- or home-based rehabilitation training (P < 0.001). Besides, a statistically better effect with the TBRS-TC exercise was also observed in the outcomes regarding exercise capacity, pulmonary function, symptom burden, and systemic inflammation after the whole process of 12-month integrative PR exercise programme. ConclusionsBased on the results, a novel integrated exercise modality combining Tai Chi and conventional pulmonary rehabilitation was developed. It might contribute to more positive effects in patients with stable COPD. RegistrationThe study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-15006874) prior to commencing recruitment.

Preliminary Efficacy, Feasibility, and Perceived Usefulness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management System With Personalized Goal Setting and Feedback to Increase Step Count Among Workers With High Blood Pressure: Before-and-After Study.

High blood pressure (BP) and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health is expected to support patients' self-management for improving cardiovascular health; the development of fully automated systems is necessary to minimize the workloads of health care providers. The objective of our study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and perceived usefulness of an intervention using a novel smartphone-based self-management system (DialBetes Step) in increasing steps per day among workers with high BP. On the basis of the Social Cognitive Theory, we developed personalized goal-setting and feedback functions and information delivery functions for increasing step count. Personalized goal setting and feedback consist of 4 components to support users' self-regulation and enhance their self-efficacy: goal setting for daily steps, positive feedback, action planning, and barrier identification and problem-solving. In the goal-setting component, users set their own step goals weekly in gradual increments based on the system's suggestion. We added these fully automated functions to an extant system with the function of self-monitoring daily step count, BP, body weight, blood glucose, exercise, and diet. We conducted a single-arm before-and-after study of workers with high BP who were willing to increase their physical activity. After an educational group session, participants used only the self-monitoring function for 2 weeks (baseline) and all functions of DialBetes Step for 24 weeks. We evaluated changes in steps per day, self-reported frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior, self-efficacy, and biomedical characteristics (home BP, BMI, visceral fat area, and glucose and lipid parameters) around week 6 (P1) of using the new functions and at the end of the intervention (P2). Participants rated the usefulness of the system using a paper-based questionnaire. We analyzed 30 participants (n=19, 63% male; mean age 52.9, SD 5.3 years); 1 (3%) participant dropped out of the intervention. The median percentage of step measurement was 97%. Compared with baseline (median 10,084 steps per day), steps per day significantly increased at P1 (median +1493 steps per day; P<.001), but the increase attenuated at P2 (median +1056 steps per day; P=.04). Frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior increased at P1 and P2. Goal-related self-efficacy tended to increase at P2 (median +5%; P=.05). Home BP substantially decreased only at P2. Of the other biomedical characteristics, BMI decreased significantly at P1 (P<.001) and P2 (P=.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only at P1 (P<.001). DialBetes Step was rated as useful or moderately useful by 97% (28/29) of the participants. DialBetes Step intervention might be a feasible and useful way of increasing workers' step count for a short period and, consequently, improving their BP and BMI; self-efficacy-enhancing techniques of the system should be improved.

Osteogenic Effects of Aerobic Both Sides Utilized Ball Versus Aerobic Step Training in Premenopausal Women

Study purpose. Exercise training plays an important role in increasing bone mass. Nevertheless, the osteogenic effects of exercise training using various bench surfaces are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the osteogenic effects of exercise with a soft surface bench and an aerobic both sides utilized (BOSU) ball with those of aerobic step exercise training (STEP). Materials and methods. Fifty-two sedentary female participants aged 30–45 years were recruited and randomly divided into three groups. Seventeen participants were in the STEP, 17 in the BOSU, and 18 in the control group. The exercise programs of the STEP and BOSU groups were designed to have the same intensity and heart rate range during each stage of the program. During training, music was used to set the tempo for workouts. Results. After week 24, both training groups showed significant improvements in physical fitness, body composition, and body stability (p&lt;0.05). Increased levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), an osteogenesis marker, were observed in both STEP and BOSU groups. Increased bone mineral density was only seen in the BOSU group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Both STEP and BOSU programs effectively improved P1NP levels, muscle strength, and postural control, but only the aerobic BOSU ball training improved bone mineral density in premenopausal women.

The Combination of Tera Gymnastics and Square Stepping Exercises on the Dynamic Balance of the Elderly

With increasing age, there is a decrease in the functions of the degenerative body, including a decrease in the functions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular areas, as well as a reduced ability to perform daily activities. One of the declines in musculoskeletal function is a decrease in muscle function which causes muscle fibers to shrink, causing a decrease in strength, muscle mass, and bone mass. This causes dynamic balance disorders in the elderly. To improve and maintain dynamic balance, a combination of tera and Square Stepping exercises is recommended for the elderly. This study aimed to determine whether there is an effect of the combination of tera and Square Stepping exercises on the level of the dynamic balance of the elderly in the elderly community at the Sasana Malang. This study followed a pre-experimental, namely One Group Pre-Test and Post-Test, design. 35 elderly people in the elderly community at Sasana Malang for 4 weeks were studied in this research. Timed Up and Go Test instruments were used. The results discovered that the Shapiro Wilk Test data was normal, Pre-Test was 14.2317 and Post-Test was 11.9480. Paired Sample T Test significance was 0.000, H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. A combination of tera and Square Stepping exercises for 4 weeks increases the dynamic balance of the elderly in the elderly community at the Sasana Malang.&#x0D; Keywords: Tera, Square Stepping Exercise, dynamic balance

Effects of Diamond Steps Exercises on Balance Improvement in Healthy Young and Older Adults: A Protocol Proposal.

Diamond step (DS) exercises are associated with multiple components of postural control and, thus, have the potential to efficiently improve balance ability. This study aimed to verify whether DS exercises contribute to improving balance ability. This study included 35 healthy young people and 29 older adults. DS exercises were performed continuously for 3 min, four times a week, for 1 month. Balance ability was assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 months; eight items in total were examined: 30 s chair stand test, functional reach test, standing on one leg with eyes closed, time required for five rounds of DS, left-right DS, Y balance test, open-close stepping test, and finger-to-floor distance. The difficulty, achievement, and lightness/enjoyment of DS exercises were measured after the first practice and 1 month after beginning the exercises as subjective evaluations. Older adults showed improvement in seven of the eight items, with the exception being the one-legged stance with closed eyes. The subjective evaluation showed a decrease in the level of difficulty of DS exercises for older adults. DS exercises may improve balance by effectively utilizing various postural control strategies. These exercises can be effective and easy to implement, given their moderate difficulty level and self-efficacy.

Acute effect of interval step exercise versus continuous walk exercise on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive postmenopausal women: A clinical, controlled, and randomized study

Aiming the prevention and treatment of hypertension, regular physical exercise has become important to reduce blood pressure. The present experiment compared the effect of interval step exercise with continuous walking exercise on cardiovascular parameters of post-menopausal hypertensive women. The volunteers were submitted to three experimental sessions: control (CO), interval exercise (IE) and continuous exercise (CE), in randomized order. The sessions lasted 120 min and during this period, resting blood pressure was evaluated after 10min of siting rest before exercise, and 30, 40 and 60min of siting rest position after exercise. Heart rate variability (HRV) were estimated at rest before exercise and 30min after exercise. Blood pressure reactivity (BPR) to the Stroop Color-Word test was measured at rest before exercise and 60min after exercise. Twelve women finished the study (59 ± 4 years and BMI of 29.78 ± 4.10 kg/m2). The One way ANOVA showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) area under the curve over time were lower (p = 0.014) in both exercise sessions comparing with control session. The Generalized estimation equations (GEE) showed that SDNN and RMSSD indices of HRV decreases (p < 0.001) in both exercises session as well, comparing with CO. Maximal SBP during Stroop test were lower after both IE and CE exercises session comparing with CO session. We conclude that interval step exercise can reduce blood pressure responses and improve HRV acutely after its performance and these responses are similar to continuous walking exercise.

Home-based bench step exercise program with Smart Step Board: a comparative pilot study

Objective: To compare the effect of home-based step aerobic exercise program on physical fitness in sedentary university students with a control group.

Effects of cognitive demand during acute exercise on inhibitory control and its electrophysiological indices: A randomized crossover study

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive demand during acute exercise on the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of inhibitory control. In a within- participants design, 30 male participants (age range = 18–27 years) performed 20-min sessions of high cognitive-demand exercise (HE), low cognitive-demand exercise (LE), and an active control (AC) on separate days in a randomized order. A moderate-to-vigorous intensity interval step exercise was used as the exercise intervention. During the exercise periods, the participants were instructed to respond to the target among competing stimuli to impose different cognitive demands with their feet. A modified flanker task was administered to assess inhibitory control before and after the interventions, and electroencephalography was used to derive stimulus-elicited N2 and P3 components. Behavioral data showed that the participants performed significantly shorter reaction time (RT), regardless of congruency and a reduced RT flanker effect following HE and LE compared with the AC condition with large (ds = −0.934 to −1.07) and medium effect sizes (ds = −0.502 to −0.507), respectively. Electrophysiological data revealed that compared with the AC condition, acute HE and LE had facilitative effects on stimuli evaluation, as indicated by significantly shorter N2 latency for congruent trials and P3 latency regardless of congruency with medium effect sizes (ds = −0.507 to −0.777). Compared with the AC condition, only acute HE elicited more efficient neural processes in conditions requiring high inhibitory control demand, as indicated by significantly shorter N2 difference latency, with a medium effect size (d = −0.528). Overall, the findings suggest that acute HE and LE facilitate inhibitory control and the electrophysiological substrates of target evaluation. Acute exercise with higher cognitive demand may be associated with more refined neural processing for tasks demanding greater amounts of inhibitory control.

Feasibility of Seated Stepping and Handshaking as a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: A Pilot Study

Cardiopulmonary function is usually assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) using a cycle ergometer (CE-CPX) or a treadmill, which is difficult in patients with lower extremity motor dysfunction. A stepping and handshaking (SHS) exercise has been developed that can be performed safely and easily while sitting on a chair. This study compared peak oxygen uptake (peak V.O2) between CE-CPX and SHS-CPX in healthy adults and investigated the safety and validity of SHS-CPX. Twenty young adults (mean age 27.8 ± 4.4 years) were randomly assigned to perform CE-CPX or SHS-CPX, with the other test to follow 1-2 weeks later. The peak V.O2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), peak heart rate, blood pressure, and test completion time were compared between CE-CPX and SHS-CPX. All subjects completed the examination and met the criteria for peak V.O2. SHS-CPX and CE-CPX showed a strong correlation with peak V.O2 (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001). The peak V.O2 (40.4 ± 11.3 mL/min/kg vs. 28.9 ± 8.0 mL/min/kg), peak heart rate (190.6 ± 8.9 bpm vs. 172.1 ± 12.6 bpm), and test completion time (1052.8 ± 143.7 s vs. 609.1 ± 96.2 s) were significantly lower in the SHS-CPX (p < 0.0001). There were no adverse events. The peak V.O2 with SHS-CPX was equivalent to about 70% of that with CE-CPX despite the exercise being performed in a sitting position, suggesting its suitability as a submaximal exercise test.

The Effect of the Combination of Tera Gymnastics and Square Stepping Exercises on the Level of the Elderly's Dynamic Balance

With increasing age, there is a decrease in the degenerative body, such as a decrease in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular functions, as well as a reduced ability to perform daily activities. One of the declines in musculoskeletal function is a decrease in muscle function, which causes muscle fibres to shrink, causing a decrease in strength, muscle mass, and bone mass. This causes dynamic balance disorders in the elderly. To improve and maintain dynamic balance, a combination of Tera Gymnastics and Square Stepping exercises are given to the elderly. This study aimed to determine whether there is an effect of the combination of Tera Gymnastics and Square Stepping Exercises on the level of the dynamic balance of the elderly in Sasana Malang. The research design was pre-experimental, namely the One Group Pre-Test and Post-Test Design. The study was focused on 35 elderly people for four weeks. The research instrument used was the Timed Up and Go Test. Shapiro Wilk Test data was normal, Pre-Test was 14.2317, and Post-Test was 11.9480. Paired Sample T Test significance was 0.000, H0 was rejected and H1 was accepted. It was discovered that a combination of Tera Gymnastics and Square Stepping exercises for 4 weeks increases the dynamic balance of the elderly in Sasana Malang.&#x0D; Keywords: tera, square stepping exercise, dynamic balance

The Effects of Stepping Exercise on Blood Pressure, Physical Performance, and Quality of Life in Female Older Adults with Stage 1 Hypertension: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hypertension is a common disease, particularly in older adults. In a previous study, we found that an eight-week course of stepping exercise improved physical performance in healthy older adults as measured using the six-minute walk test (468 vs. 426 m in controls; p = .01). This study aims to further evaluate the effects of stepping exercise on blood pressure, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults with stage 1 hypertension. This was a randomized, controlled trial comparing older adults with stage 1 hypertension who performed stepping exercise with controls. The stepping exercise (SE) was performed at moderate intensity three times/week over an eight-week period. Participants in the control group (CG) received verbal and written (pamphlet) lifestyle modification advice. Blood pressure at Week 8 was the primary outcome, while quality of life score and physical performance on the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed up and go test (TUGT), and five times sit to stand test (FTSST) were secondary outcomes. There were 17 female patients in each group (total of 34). After eight weeks of training, participants in the SE group showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (SBP; 132.0 vs. 145.1 mmHg; p<.01), diastolic blood pressure (DBP; 67.3 vs. 87.6 mmHg; p<.01), 6MWT (465.6 vs. 437.0; p<.01), TUGT (8.1 vs. 9.2 sec; p<.01), and FTSST (7.9 vs. 9.1 sec; p<.01) compared to controls. Regarding within-group comparison, participants in the SE also showed significant improvement in all outcomes from baseline, while any such outcomes in the CG were comparable from baseline (SBP: 144.1 to 145.1 mmHg; p = .23; DBP: 84.3 to 87.6 mmHg; p = .90). The stepping exercise examined is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for blood pressure control in female older adults with stage 1 hypertension. This exercise also resulted in improvements in physical performance and quality of life.

More Physical Activity Is Correlated With Reduction in Kinesiophobia for Adolescents With Persistent Symptoms After Concussion.

The relationship between physical activity (PA) and fear of pain with movement (ie, kinesiophobia) during concussion recovery is unknown. Kinesiophobia may limit PA, while PA after concussion may reduce kinesiophobia. Our purpose was to examine the correlation between PA and self-reported kinesiophobia during concussion recovery for adolescents with and without persistent symptoms. Prospective cohort study of children ages 10-18 years within 14 days of concussion. Participants rated kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) at initial (≤14 d postconcussion) and return to play (RTP) assessments, and wore activity monitors between assessments. Our primary outcome was TSK score change from initial to RTP assessments. We grouped participants based on whether they experienced persistent symptoms (symptoms ≥28days) or not (symptoms <28days) and calculated correlation coefficients (Pearson r for normally distributed and Spearman rho for nonnormally distributed variables) between PA variables and TSK change scores. Among the 41 participants enrolled, 44% developed persistent symptoms (n = 18; age = 14.5 [2.0]y; 50% female; symptom duration = 57.3 [6.2]d; RTP = 66.8 [6.4]d) and 56% did not (n = 23; age = 14.9 [1.8]y; 48% female; symptom duration = 15.2 [1.5]d; RTP = 21.7 [1.9]d). For the persistent symptoms group, greater TSK change scores (mean = -2.5 [5.7] point change) were significantly and moderately correlated with higher daily step count (r = -.60, P = .008) and exercise frequency (r = -.63, P = .005), but were not correlated with exercise duration (ρ = -.12, P = .65). Among the no persistent symptoms group, TSK change scores (mean = -6.0 [5.0] point change) were not correlated with step count (r = -.18, P = .41) or exercise duration (ρ = .10, P = .67), and the correlation with frequency was low and not significant (r = -.34, P = .12). Regular PA during concussion recovery, regardless of duration or intensity, may help reduce kinesiophobia for those experiencing persistent symptoms.