Strenuous Physical Activity Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of hospitalised individuals with spin-induced exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is caused by myocyte breakdown after strenuous physical activity. In recent years, the incidence of spin-induced ER (SER) has been increasing. We describe the clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of patients admitted for SER. A review was conducted for all patients admitted to Singapore General Hospital for SER from 1 March 2021 to 31 March 2022. All patients with the admission diagnosis of "rhabdomyolysis", "raised creatine kinase (CK) level", or "elevated CK level" with a preceding history of spin-related physical exertion were included. Patients without a history of exertion, with a history of non-spin related exertion, or with a peak serum CK <1000 U/L were excluded. There were 93 patients in our final analysis; mean age was 28.6±5.6 years and 66 (71.0%) were female patients. Mean body mass index was 25.0±5.7 kg/m2; 81 (87.1%) patients were first-time spin participants. All patients had muscle pain, 68 (73.1%) had dark urine, 16 (17.2%) muscle swelling and 14 (15.1%) muscle weakness. There were 80 (86.0%) patients with admission CK of >20,000 U/L. Mean admission creatinine was 59.6±15.6 μmol/L. Mean intravenous (IV) hydration received was 2201±496 mL/ day, oral hydration 1217±634 mL/day and total hydration 3417±854 mL/day. There was 1 (1.1%) patient with acute kidney injury, which resolved the next day with IV hydration. Inpatient management of SER includes laboratory investigations, analgesia and hydration. Risk of complications is low in SER patients. SER patients without risk factors for complications can be considered for hospital-at-home management with bed rest, aggressive hydration and early outpatient review.

OR22-02-23 Negative Energy Balance Alters Gastrointestinal Function and Gut Microbiota Composition During Strenuous Physical Activity

OR22-02-23 Negative Energy Balance Alters Gastrointestinal Function and Gut Microbiota Composition During Strenuous Physical Activity

Effect of Craniocervical Flexor Training on Pain, Strength, and Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Neck Pain

Background: In context, neck pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaint. Common causes of neck pain include poor posture at work, nervousness, stress, strain, carrying heavy objects, and strenuous physical activity. To enhance a patient’s functional status and quality of life (QOL), knowledge of the structures that can cause pain impairment is essential. It was found that a craniocervical flexor training course provides an improved method of isolating the deep cervical flexors. Objective: The purpose of this training was to assess the effectiveness of craniocervical flexion training in reducing pain, increasing strength, and enhancing well-being in those with persisting neck pain. Methodology: Two sets of 20 subjects were used in this study. The treatment (craniocervical flexion training) was administered 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Pain was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), strength was assessed using the craniocervical flexor test, and QOL was measured with the short form 36 before and after treatment. Results: Both groups improved their strength and QOL from pretreatment levels, and the VAS scores of both groups decreased from pretreatment levels. In contrast, both pain and QOL improved more in Group A. Conclusion: This study concludes that, when it comes to managing chronic neck pain, craniocervical flexion exercise is more effective than isometric exercise, scapulothoracic exercise, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation alone.

Clinical implications of the concentration of alveolar nitric oxide in non-small cell lung cancer.

Clinical implications of the concentration of alveolar nitric oxide in non-small cell lung cancer.

DIFFERENCES IN HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER HEAVY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Introduction: Hemoglobin is an erythrocyte tetrameric protein that binds to a non-protein molecule, the Iron porphyrin compound called heme. The most important function of hemoglobin is transporting oxygen (O2) from the lungs to the peripheral tissues and transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation to the outside. Factors that affect hemoglobin levels one of physical activity. Strenuous physical activity that releases a lot of sweat such as aerobics, cycling (19 – 22 km/h), swimming, tennis and running. The study aimed to determine the difference in hemoglobin levels before and after heavy physical activity in the form of running for 5 minutes with a heart rate frequency &gt; 145 times/minute. Method: data analysis using Paired Sample T-Test SPSS. This research was conducted at the Muhammadiyah Institute of Health Sciences and Technology Palembang in March 2021 with a total of 32 respondent. Results: the average hemoglobin levels before physical activity is 15,1 g/dL while hemoglobin levels after heavy physical activity is 15,3 g/dL, based on the Test Paired Sample t-Test get p &gt; 0.05 that is no difference between the two. Discussion: there was no difference between hemoglobin levels before and after heavy physical activity.

P176 Implantable venous access devices in the era of Trikafta®– time for a rethink?

Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices (TIVADs) have commonly been used in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) due to difficult venous access and repeated respiratory exacerbations requiring IV antibiotics. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI, Trikafta™) has had a significant impact on the lives of pwCF and has enabled them to engage in increased amounts of strenuous physical activity. The increased physical activity may lead to an increased rate of portacath complications, including fractures. In this case series we present two such patients who experienced portacath fractures within 18 months of being on ETI and participating in strenuous activity, specifically weightlifting. The patients both presented after pain on routine portacath flushing. Imaging showed dislodgement of the fractured portion of the catheter tubing into proximal large vessels. They required interventional radiology guided removal of the dislodged tubing. The evidence of portacath fractures in the era of ETI puts into question whether TIVADs need to be part of standard therapy for pwCF. This should also trigger a discussion about port removal to avoid potential complications in patients engaging in strenuous physical activity.

Study of the Prevalence of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in the Working Area of the Sungai Tering Community Health Center, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, 2022

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and a major risk factor for disability and premature death worldwide. Hypertension in women of childbearing age can accelerate the emergence of complications of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of hypertension in women of childbearing age (15-49 years) in the Working Area of ​​the Sungai Tering Public Health Center, East Tanjung Jabung Regency in 2022. The type of research used was descriptive. The research design was cross sectional, 120 samples were analyzed using a descriptive narrative. Obtained the proportion of hypertension of 43.35%. Respondents who were aged ≥ 35 years (68.3%), respondents did not have a family history (55.8%), respondents were not obese (65%), respondents did the most strenuous physical activity (72.5%), respondents consumed a lot of seafood &lt;100-400 grams/week (66.7%), and respondents used more hormonal contraception (89.2%).

Health Status of Elderly Based on Daily Activities Living, Cholesterol and Uric Acid Profile in Kupang

Uric acid and Cholesterol cause inflammation accompanied deformity knees and legs. Health problems in the elderly come from declining body cells, so the function and body endurance decreased along with increased risk factors for diseases. Prevalence of uric acid in Asia regions the lowest Papua New Guinea 1% highest Marshall Islands 85% and Indonesia 18%. Uric acid is main factor predicting kidney failure. Objective: the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of uric acid levels and cholesterol in the pre-elderly around liliba RT 41/RW001. Method: This type of research is descriptive, the number of respondents who are willing to participate in this study is 55 people by signing an informed consent. The data were obtained by examining cholesterol levels using the POCT method, as well as consumption patterns and physical activity which were measured using a questionnaire. Results: The results showed that Cholesterol levels that consumed high-fat foods were found more in respondents who often consumed fatty foods with normal cholesterol levels of 18 people (32.7%), a high threshold of 10 people (18.2%), and high cholesterol levels of 8 people (14.5%) ). Cholesterol levels who rarely consumed meat with high cholesterol were 9 people (16.4%), and high-limit cholesterol levels were 11 people (20.0%). Cholesterol levels of respondents who had sleep duration of 6-8 hours with high cholesterol levels were 6 people (10.9%), normal cholesterol levels were 15 people (27.3%), and high limit cholesterol levels were 9 people (16.4%). Cholesterol levels of respondents who did not carry out health checks who had high cholesterol levels were 7 people (12.7%), normal cholesterol levels were 23 people (41.3%), and high limits were 19 people (34.5%). abnormal uric acid levels in 19 (34.5%) respondents. The highest uric acid levels were obtained at the age of 45-49 years (41.8%). Most abnormal uric acid levels were found in women, 12 people (21.8%). Abnormal uric acid levels were most common in respondents who consumed high-purine foods (21.8%), consumed meat (12.7%), and who always consumed high-purine vegetables (10.9%). Abnormal uric acid levels were most common in respondents who had never done strenuous physical activity as many as 13 people (23.6%), while in respondents who always did light physical activity uric acid levels were not normal as many as 15 people. In this study, it was found that 32.8% of respondents who had high uric acid levels had never had regular health checks. Conclusions: . The levels of uric acid and cholesterol in the elderly in Liliba Village RT 41/RW 001 based on age and gender, namely abnormal uric acid levels, were most commonly found in the 45-59 year age category of 10 people (18.2%) and in female as many as 12 people (21.8%). Based on age and gender, the highest cholesterol level was found in the 45-59 year age category, which was mostly found in women with normal cholesterol levels, 9 people (16.4%), high threshold, 10 people (18.2%), while high cholesterol levels as many as 4 people (7.3%).

The Prevalence of Low Birth Weight Among Newborn Babies and Its Associated Maternal Risk Factors: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is at the forefront of 100 core health issues that are used as indicatorsto assess the global nutrition monitoring framework as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Several factors could contribute to LBW, which essentiallyincludeintrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery/birth. Moreover, LBW predisposes neonates to several developmental disturbances including both physical and mental disorders. Given that LBW is more common in poor and developing countries, there is not much reliable data that could be used to formulate strategies for controlling this problem. This study, therefore, attempts to assess the prevalence of LBW among newborn babies and its associated maternal risk factors. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out between June 2016 and May 2017 (one year) and included 327 LBW babies. A predefined and prevalidated questionnaire was used to obtain data for the study. The data collected includedage, religion,parity, birth spacing, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, height, mother's education, occupation, family income, socioeconomic status, obstetric history, previous history of stillbirths and abortions, and history of any LBW baby. Results The prevalence of LBW was noted to be 36.33%. The occurrence of LBW babies was predominant among mothers who were aged <19 years (62.26%) and >35 years (57.14%). Grand multipara women showed the highest rates (53.70%) of LBW babies. Additionally, LBW was predominantly noticed among newborns (46.66%) with a birth spacing of <18 months, those born to mothers with pre-pregnancy weight of <40 Kg (94.04%), mothers with a height of <145 cm (83.46%), mothers who gained <7 kg during the pregnancy (82.20%), illiterate mothers (43.75%), and mothers who were agricultural workers (63.76%). Other maternal factors that could predispose to LBW included lower monthly income (66.25%), low socioeconomic status (52.90%), less number of antenatal visits (59.65%), low blood hemoglobin (100%), history of strenuous physical activities (48.66%), smoking and/or tobacco chewing habit (91.42%), alcoholism (66.66%), lack of iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy (64.58%), history of stillbirths (51.51%), and mothers suffering from chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia(47.61%), and tuberculosis (75%). Religion-wise, Muslim mothers revealed the highest prevalence (48.57%) of LBW, followed by Hindus(37.71%) and Christians (20%). The mother's age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, height of the mother, hemoglobin concentration, weight of the baby, and length of the newborn(p≤0.05) couldinfluence the health of the newborn. However, maternal infections, previous bad obstetrics history, presence of systemic illnesses, and protein and calorie supplementation (p≥0.05) had no significant impact on birth weight. Conclusions The results showed that multiple factors are responsible for LBW. Maternal factors such as weight, height, age, parity, weight gained during pregnancy, and anemia during pregnancy could predispose to delivering LBW babies. Additionally, other risk factors for LBW identified in this study were the literacy level of mothers, occupation, family income, socioeconomic status, antenatal care, strenuous physical activity during pregnancy, smoking/tobacco chewing, alcohol/toddy consumption, and iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HYPERTENSION LEVELS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE ELDERLY USING WOMAC (The Western Ontario And Mcmaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index)

Osteoarthritis is one _ disease joints usually degenerative _ happens with age further , marked with solving cartilage , change bone joints , damage bone joints , damage to tendons and ligaments . The risk factors for osteoarthritis are divided into 2, primary and secondary, one of which is physical activity and level of hypertension. The occurrence of osteoarthritis has an impact on limitations in social and spiritual interactions, decreased physiological abilities, decreased productivity, and psychological disorders. This study aims to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the level of hypertension with the incidence of osteoarthritis in the elderly using WOMAC. This study uses correlation analysis with a cross sectional approach . The independent variables are physical activity and the level of hypertension and the dependent variable is the incidence of osteoarthritis . The total population of this study was 184 elderly with a sample size of 34 elderly using purposive sampling technique . The instruments used were the observation sheet and the WOMAC questionnaire . The results showed that p value 0.436 &gt; α 0.05 with this value indicating that there is no relationship between physical activity and the incidence of osteoarthritis in the elderly and also obtained test results showing that there is a relationship between the level of hypertension and the incidence of osteoarthritis in the elderly with a p value value 0.002 &lt; α 0.05. So it can be concluded that there is no relationship between physical activity and the incidence of osteoarthritis in the elderly , but there is a relationship between the level of hypertension and the incidence of osteoarthritis in the elderly using WOMAC.It is recommended for the public to better maintain an ideal body weight, diet, lifestyle and not too strenuous physical activities and exercise to reduce pain in the knee joints.&#x0D;

Influence of Strenuous Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Age-Related Differences in Brain Activations During Varieties of Cognitive Control

While there is extensive literature on the beneficial effects of physical activity on age differences in cognitive control, limited research exists on comparing the contributions of strenuous physical activity (sPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals during varieties of cognitive control. The current study addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating BOLD signal differences between high-fit and low-fit older adults, determined by their sPA or CRF, during a novel fMRI task with a hybrid block and event-related design that included transient activations (during switching, updating and their combination trials) and sustained activations (during proactive and reactive control blocks). fBOLD signals from older (n = 25) were compared to more functionally efficient younger (n = 15) adults. High-sPA old showed higher task accuracy than Low-sPA old and similar accuracy as young. Whole-brain fMRI analyses identified higher BOLD activations (esp. dlPFC/MFG) in high-fit old during updating and combination trials that were similar to young, suggesting maintenance of BOLD signals in higher fit older adults during working memory updating. Additionally, both High-sPA and High-CRF related compensatory overactivation were observed in left parietal and occipital areas during sustained activations, which were positively correlated with older adults' accuracy. These results suggest that physical fitness is a modifier of age-related changes in BOLD signal modulation elicited in response to increasing cognitive control demands, with higher fitness in old contributing to both compensatory overactivations and maintenance of task-related brain activations during cognitive control, whereas lower fitness contributed to maladaptive overactivations during lower cognitive demands.

Foam rolling reduced total creatine kinase in acute muscle inflammation following long-distance running

Strenuous physical activity is able to cost muscle damage. In urban society, ten kilometers running has become a modern culture. It induces acute inflammation as a normal physiological response. Conversely, a foam roller is known as a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique which can be done individually. Previous studies stated that foam rolling (FR) could increase flexibility, and reduce muscle pain sensation. However, there is still a limited supply of scientific evidence to prove its positive effects, especially through biomarkers such as creatine kinase (CK). This study aims to elucidate the beneficial effects of a foam roller in CK concentration after 10 kilometers of running which induces DOMS. A quasi-repeated measures design was elected as an approach to conducting this study. The purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the subjects (n= 10). Creatine kinase measurements were performed before 10 km running and 3 days post running by using the COBAS INTEGRA 400 Plus Test (the UV-test concept). Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to determine the effect of FR on CK. Ten kilometers of running increased Total CK concentration, pre-test data was 146.2 ± 36.3 (U/L), and 24 hours was 452.3 ± 216.5 (U/L). Creatine Kinase decreased at 48 hours (300.6 ± 117.6 (U/L), and 72 hours (238.4 ± 67.5 (U/L) post-application of foam rolling. We conclude that long distance running increased significantly total CK, and foam rolling might decrease CK concentration in the blood.

FACTORS PRECIPITATING HEART FAILURE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL.

Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes group A beta-hemolytic produces rheumatic heart disease, a chronic condition. In countries with low and intermediate incomes, it signicantly increases morbidity and mortality. Aims and objectives: To assess the precipitating causes for Frank congestive cardiac failure in patients with established RHD and evaluate the diagnostic problems of fresh rheumatic activity versus infective endocarditis. This was a hospital-based prospective, observational study conducted on Methodology: 150 patients with RHD with cardiac failure admitted to the tertiary care centre in the hospital in the department of general medicine. In patients (≤20 years) Fresh Rheumatic Activity Results: (FRA) was the single most important factor in 85.7%, followed by infection (47.8%) while in patients &gt;20 years, infective endocarditis (92.9%), strenuous physical activity (84.2%) and irregular treatment (72.4%), were a few of the more common factors responsible for precipitation of CCF as compared with patients ≤20 years of age. FRA and infective endocarditis we Conclusion: re the most common precipitating factors in patients ≤20 years and &gt;20 years respectively

A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Nonambulatory Bariatric Patient With Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Obesity and lower-extremity arthritis are challenging problems to address as they are often mutually exacerbating. Due to the known perioperative risk of morbid obesity, the modality and timing of weight loss prior to arthroplasty is debated. We present a case of a 55-year-old nonambulatory female patient with an initial body mass index of 80.3 kg/m2. This individual underwent a staged bariatric and joint replacement surgical pathway employing personnel of differing treatment disciplines. Our patient successfully lost a substantial amount of weight and has been able to ambulate, exercise, and engage in new, strenuous physical activities. In the care of the nonambulatory bariatric patient, employing a multidisciplinary treatment plan can produce successful results.

A novel deep learning method for predicting athletes’ health using wearable sensors and recurrent neural networks

Good health is extremely important for athletes who engage in strenuous physical activities, such as football. They must develop a healthy body before participating in vigorous activities and competitions. Although researchers have presented a wide range of analytical approaches emphasizing athlete health, only a small percentage of completed studies have used neural networks. In this study, we propose a novel technique for predicting football players’ health using wearable technology and recurrent neural networks. The proposed system monitors the players’ health in real-time, making it one of the first applications of wearable sensors for athletes’ conditioning and health. Health prediction results are provided after the time-step data is entered into a recurrent neural network, and subsequent deep features are obtained from that data. Several trials are conducted in this investigation, and the outcomes are determined by the information acquired about the players’ health. The simulation results illustrate the practicality and dependability of the proposed approach. The algorithms developed in this study can serve as the foundation for data-driven monitoring and training.

COMPARISON BETWEEN SPORTS DRINK AND COCONUT WATER ON CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE AMONG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

A sports drink is a drink containing electrolytes and glucose, meanwhile coconut drink is known as a natural source of sports drink. Both drinks have the benefit of restoring energy and electrolyte, especially when ingested during strenuous physical activity that requires maximum endurance performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sports drinks and coconut drinks in enhancing cardiovascular endurance performance among UiTM football players. A total of 24 male participants representing Universiti Teknologi MARA Football Club (UiTM FC) were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups that are isotonic drink group (IDG) (n=8), the coconut drink group (CDG) (n=8), and the control group (n=8). Cardiovascular endurance performance was determined based on bleep test results at the pre-test and post-test. The intervention was conducted by giving a different type of drink according to the assigned group. IDG received 100 plus isotonic drink, CDG received a Vita Coco drink and CG were only given plain water. After the end of the pre-test session, the participants were given 2-hour to rest, and drinks were given according to their group. After 2-hour of rest, the participants continue with the post-test. The level of VO2 max was measured by an equation based on the bleep test results. The result shows there was a significant increment in pre-post-test VO2 max level within all groups, showing improvement in the mean level of VO2 max at post-test. The mean of pre-post-test VO2 max for the three respective groups was IDG 47.53 ± 6.32 to 49.46 ± 5.88 ml/kg/min, CDG 47.01 ± 3.45 to 48.81 ± 3.29 ml/kg/min and CG 47.06 ± 3.11 to 47.91 ± 3.43 ml/kg/min. However, there was no significant difference (p=0.276) between groups and pre-post-test VO2 max level. Looking at between groups effect, there was no significant effect (p=0.900) between these three groups and their VO2 max level. In conclusion, there was a significant positive change in the participant's pre-post-test VO2 max level for all three groups across two different periods at the pre-test and post-test. This suggests ingesting drinks between exercises substantially improved football players' cardiovascular endurance performance. However, there was no significant difference in the participants' cardiovascular endurance performance between the three groups. This indicates the type of drink does not influence the cardiovascular endurance performance among these football players.

The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Malondialdehyde, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Cortisol Hormone Levels

Vigorous physical activity is a physical movement that produces excessive free radicals due to leakage of electrons from the mitochondrial transport system. The body's antioxidant system is reduced due to the inability of the body's defenses to reduce the production of free radicals resulting in oxidative stress, so it requires a supply of antioxidants from outside the body such as Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of VCO administration on malondialdehyde levels, glutathione peroxidase levels and cortisol hormone levels in male Wistar rats subjected to strenuous physical activity. The research method uses an experimental with posttest only control group design. The experimental subjects were 24 male Wistar rats which were randomly divided into 4 groups (K1, K2, K3, and K4). The administration of VCO at dose of 25 mL and 50 mL are based of human weight 70 kg and the conversion dose in mice (BB = 200 g) resulted in 0.45 mL/200 g BW/day and 0.9 mL/200 g BW / day which is made into a 1 mL solution and given orally for 28 days. K3 and K4 groups were given strenuous physical activity and given VCO at a dose of 0.45 and 0.9 mL/200 g BW/day. The measurement of malondialdehyde levels using the TBARS method. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the cortisol hormone using ELISA method at PSPG UGM in June 2022. The lowest average levels of MDA and GPx were in the K1 group. One-Way Anova test result showed that the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and the cortisol hormone in the K3 and K4 groups had significant differences with K2 group (p &lt; 0.05). The administration of VCO at doses of 0.45 mL/200 g BW/day and 0.9 mL/200 g BW/day could affect the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and the hormone cortisol in male Wistar rats subjected to strenuous physical activity.

Physical activity as an exogenous risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a review of the evidence.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The only established epidemiological risk factors for ALS are male sex and increasing age. The role of physical activity has been debated as an environmental risk factor. Over the last decade multiple studies have attempted to delineate the architecture of ALS. These have not yet established definite risk factors, often due to low-powered studies, lack of focus on at-risk genotypes and sub-optimal methodology. We have conducted a review of all the studies published between 2009 and December 2021. The free text search terms were [(motor neuron disease) OR (MND) OR (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) OR (ALS)] AND [(Exercise) or (Physical Activity) or (PA) or (sport)]. We identified common themes, for example soccer, head injury and the physiological mechanisms that differ in ALS patients. We have analysed the relevant, available studies (n = 93), highlighting the underlying reasons for any reported discrepancies. Overall, we have found that the more highly powered studies using validated exposure methodologies, linked strenuous, anaerobic physical activity as a risk factor for ALS. Future large-scale studies focusing on specific at-risk genotypes and physical activity should be conducted to confirm this finding. This will strengthen the evidence already surrounding strenuous physical activity as an environmental risk factor for ALS and allow advice to be given to at-risk family members. Increasing our understanding of the genetic-environmental interactions in the pathophysiology of ALS will allow for the possibility of developing preventative therapeutic approaches.

Relationship between occupational and leisure-time physical activity and the need for recovery after work

BackgroundHealth benefits of physical activity are very well acknowledged but the role of both occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in recovery after work is not thoroughly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between accelerometer-measured OPA and LTPA and the need for recovery after work (NFR) in early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals.MethodsThe study participants were 217 female ECEC professionals aged 17–64. Physical activity was recorded with a three-axis accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X Link, ActiGraph, USA) for seven consecutive days. Separate analyses were conducted for both OPA and LTPA and reported as hours/day based on different intensity levels (light, moderate, vigorous, very vigorous). The NFR was measured with the Need For Recovery (NFR) scale (0%–100%).ResultsParticipants’ average physical activity for both OPA and LTPA was about 4 h/day, and the mean NFR score was 38.4%. OPA was significantly associated with the NFR but not with LTPA. The relationship remained significant after adjustments for age, body mass index, work ability, mental health status, and sleep difficulties (p < 0.024).ConclusionAccording to this study, the OPA level is related to the level of the NFR in female ECEC professionals. Based on the results, it seems that LTPA has no relevance to the NFR. Results suggest that long-lasting OPA, even without strenuous physical activity at work, may predispose individuals to a high NFR.

Recovery of constitutive immune function after migratory endurance flight in free-living birds.

Strenuous physical activity can negatively affect constitutive innate immune function (CIF), the always present first line of defence against pathogens. CIF is non-specific, and thus vital when encountering novel pathogens. A lowered CIF likely increases the risk of infection and disease. Migratory birds engage in truly extreme physical activity during their endurance flights, however, little is known about how they deal with the negative impact this has on their immune function. By collecting both between- and within-individual data we show, for the first time, that free-flying migratory birds can recover several parameters of CIF during stopovers, which are stationary periods in between migratory flights. With this, we provide an important piece of the puzzle on how migrating birds cope with the physiological challenges they face on their biannual journeys. Furthermore, our study stresses the importance of migratory stopovers beyond fuel accumulation.