Subjects In Exercise Group Research Articles

Effects of oral oligopeptide preparation and exercise intervention in older people with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNutrition and exercise are important interventions for sarcopenia. There were few studies on oral oligopeptide nutrition preparations combined with exercise to intervene in the older people with sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of oligopeptide nutrition preparation combined with exercise intervention on the older people with sarcopenia in community.MethodsA total of 219 subjects aged 65 years or older with sarcopenia were randomly divided into 4 groups. The nutrition group (n = 58) was given individualized nutrition education and oral oligopeptide nutrition preparation. The exercise group (n = 50) received exercise intervention. The combined group (n = 52) received both oral nutrition preparation and exercise interventions. The control group (n = 59) only received individualized nutrition education. The nutrition preparation can provide energy 185kcal and protein 24.2g per day. The exercise intervention including warm-up exercise, resistance exercise and aerobic exercise, the training time was 60min for 5 times every week. The intervention lasted for 16 weeks. Hand grip strength, gait speed, body composition and hematology parameters were measured before and after intervention.ResultsA total of 159 subjects completed the study. Compared with baseline, the left grip strength and 6-m walking speed of the subjects in nutrition group increased significantly after the intervention, and the grip strength of both hands in exercise group and combined group increased significantly. The body weight of the subjects in nutrition group, exercise group and combined group increased significantly after intervention, but no increase in soft lean mass (SLM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was observed in any of the four groups. The fat-free mass (FFM) of the legs of the control group, exercise group and nutrition group decreased after intervention, and only the FFM of the legs of the combined group maintained the level before the intervention.ConclusionBoth oral peptide nutrition and exercise interventions can improve the muscle strength or function of the older people with sarcopenia. However, there were no increases in muscle mass observed.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2100052135. Registered 20 October 2021, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=135743

Rehabilitation in children and adolescents undergoing stem cell transplantation: A pilot study focused on motor performance.

The aim of this pilot trial is evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of two in-hospital interventions in the maintenance of motor performance in children/adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary objectives investigated the interventions' feasibility, impact on fatigue and to what degree the subjects' maintained their ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), functional mobility, muscle strength and flexibility. This trial included 5- to 18-year-old participants, affected by oncological and non-oncological diseases during hospitalisation for autologous/allogenic HSCT. The subjects were assigned to an exercise group (EG), or a counselling group based on a cluster model based on inpatient timeframe. The EG subjects performed strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises for 30 min/5 days a week. Both groups followed rehabilitation counselling indications (RCI), 7 days a week. Forty-nine participants were enrolled (median age = 12.9 years) (EG n = 36). In both groups the participants maintained their baseline motor performance and ankle ROM, and the children/adolescents and parents reduced their levels of fatigue. However, the interventions were not effective in maintaining strength. In maintaining the subjects' motor performance, the RCI results are significant because they pave the way for the application in clinical practice contexts where there are poor rehabilitation resources. Clinical Trials registration NCT03842735.

Comparsion of the Effect on Balance Training with Foam Balance Activity and Tilt Board Exercise to Improve Fall Risk among Physically Active Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Selected Places of Bengaluru

Background and purpose: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints worldwide.Individuals with knee OA display impairments in knee joint proprioception. Reduced balance function isassociated with an increased risk of falling. The aim of this study was to measure the balance between foam and tiltboard training among physically active chronic osteoarthritis patients and to compare the effectiveness of balancetraining using proprioceptive tools like foam and tilt table among physically active chronic osteoarthritis patients.Methods: This study included subjects between the ages of 40-70 years with chronic knee osteoarthritis and a bodymass index of 30 and above. Subjects were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was a comparativestudy with 40 subjects divided into two groups of 20 each. Demographic data and other variables were collectedand recorded and measures like VAS, WOMAC, Functional reach test and Berg balance scale were used.Results: The foam balance activity group as well as the wobble board exercise group showed effective improvementsclinically after the intervention. Comparison between groups did not show statistically significant improvement isany one over the other but clinically significant improvements were seen more in the wobble board exercise group.Conclusion: The study concludes that the wobble board exercise group subjects showed clinically betterimprovements in balance and functional abilities when compared to the foam balance activity group subjects.Comparison between both groups did not show statistically significant improvement.

A Comparison between Effects of Neurofeedback and Balance Exercise on Balance of Healthy Older Adults.

Background: Balance ability is a crucial component of independent daily activities among the older adultss. Balance impairment is one of the major risk factors for falls and related complications.Objective: The present study aims to investigate and compare the effect of neurofeedback training and balance training on balance and fall risk among older adults.Material and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 48 older adults aged more than 65 years were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, neurofeedback group (n=24) and balance exercise group (n=24). Prior to the intervention, the static balance, dynamic balance, and fall risk were measured using Biodex D balance system and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. Subjects in neurofeedback group received neurofeedback training for 12 sessions of 30-min, every other day. Moreover, subjects in balance exercise group received balance training for four weeks in 12 sessions (45-minute) every other day. After the intervention, balance measurements were repeated in both groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05.Results: Static balance and dynamic balance were shown to significantly improve, after the interventions (p<0.001). Furthermore, fall risk was significantly reduced, after the trial (p<0.001). In addition, the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training was not less significant than exercises on balance in the older adults (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both neurofeedback training and balance training improved balance ability among the older adults. Results also show the therapeutic effect of neurofeedback training on balance in older people. However, further research is required to accurately investigate the long-term effects of these two treatment methods among the older adults.

8주 유산소 운동이 연령대별 비만 여성의 안정 시 대사량에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of eight weeks of regular aerobic exercise on body composition and resting metabolic rate in obese women in their 20’s & 30’s and obese women in their 50’s & 60’s who have entered menopause.<BR> Method: In this study, the tested subjects were obese women residing in the city of S with a BMI of 25 or higher, or a body fat percentage of 32% or higher. They were separated into two age groups: women in their 20’s and 30’s (E1), and women in their 50’s and 60’s (E2). 16 subjects were selected with 8 subjects in exercise group 1 (E1) and 8 subjects in exercise group 2 (E2). The 8-week aerobic training consisted of moderate-intensity exercise at 55-65% THR. Exercise during weeks 1-4 were performed at 55-60% intensity, and weeks 5-8 were performed at 60-65% intensity. Descriptive statistics (Mean ± Standard Error) of all dependent variables were calculated using SPSS/PC+Ver. 21.0K program and the corresponding sample t-test were conducted to determine the differences in RMR, body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, and lipid profile before & after aerobic exercise. The statistical significance level was set as α=.05. <BR> Results: There were significant differences in weight and BMI before & after training in the E1 group and E2 group before & after training (p<.001). There were significant differences in body fat percentage and total fat before & after training (p<.01) in both E1 and E2 groups. There were significant differences in maximal oxygen uptake for the E1 group (p<.01) and the E2 group (p<.001) before & after training, but only the E2 group resulted in significant differences in resting metabolic rate (p<0.01). Examining changes in TC, significant differences were found before & after training in both the E1 group (p<.01) and the E2 group (p<.05). No significant differences in levels of TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C were observed in either group.<BR> Conclusion: Eight weeks of regular aerobic exercise result in positively improved treatment of obesity in both age groups. Both groups show decreases in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, lean mass, and TC, as well as increases in resting metabolism rates and maximal oxygen uptake. It is observed that 8 weeks of aerobic training resulted in a variety of positive physiological changes in women with obesity.

Exercise Program Improves Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Uncorrected Atrial Septal Defect-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Randomized-Control Pilot Study.

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of combined hospital and home-based exercise programs on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) among uncorrected atrial septal defect-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (ASD-PAH) patients.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial with uncorrected ASD-PAH patients as the subjects. They were allocated randomly into control and exercise groups. Exercise group subjects performed hospital and home-based exercise programs, completing baseline 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and EQ-5D-3L QoL test (Utility Index and EQ-VAS scores), and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were 6MWT distance and EQ-5D-3L score at week 12. The N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was also assessed. A repeated-measure ANOVA was performed to detect endpoint differences over time.ResultsThe exercise group contained 20 subjects and control group contained 19. In total, 19 exercise group subjects and 16 control group subjects completed the protocol. The 6MWT distance, Utility Index score, and EQ-VAS score incrementally improved significantly in the exercise group from baseline until week 12, with mean differences of 76.7 m (p<0.001), 0.137 (p<0.001) and 15.5 (p<0.001), respectively. Compared with the control group, the exercise group had significantly increased 6MWT distance and utility index score at week 12. The EQ-VAS score increased in the exercise group at week 12. The NT-proBNP level decreased at week 12 in the exercise group.ConclusionCombined hospital and home-based exercise program added to PAH-targeted therapy, improving functional capacity and QoL in uncorrected ASD-PAH patients.

Simultaneus effect of aerobic training and garlic supplementation on resting levels serum of amino transferases in obese men

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is underlying cause of liver diseases. Researches indicate that life style modification via changes in physical activity levels and healthy diet can be beneficial for liver function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and garlic supplementation on serum levels of ALT and AST. Methods: In a clinical trial, forty obese men (BMI&gt;30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into four groups (10 per each) including 1- Exercise+Sepplement (ES) 2- Supplement (S) 3- Exercise+Placebo (EP) and 4- Placebo (P). The subjects received garlic capsule two times per day (each capsule contained 500 mg garlic powder) or placebo (starch) over a period of eight weeks. The subjects in exercise groups performed a supervised progressive aerobic training (3 times a week, %50-%70 HRmax, 20-40 mins) at the same time. Before and after the experimental period body composition analysis was performed and blood samples were taken in a fasting state. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, One-Way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests at the significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results: The results showed that ALT and AST levels were decreased following 8-week aerobic training (P&lt;0.05). Garlic supplementation also decreased serum levels of aminotransferases (P&lt;0.05). Inter-group differences were seen between exercise groups and placebo (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that aerobic training and garlic supplementation can decreases serum aminotransferases levels; however, garlic supplementation has no additional effect on the effects of exercise.

12주간의 저항성운동이 30~40대 마른비만 여성의 근력과 대사증후군 위험요인에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of resistance exercise on muscular strength and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in normal weight obese women, aged 30-40s. Subjects in resistance exercise group (EX: n=13) participated in resistance exercise for 50 min/session, 3 sessions/wk for 12 weeks, whereas subjects in control group (CON: n=12) were asked to maintain their normal life patterns during the same intervention period. The variables regarding muscular strength and risk factors of metabolic syndrome were measured and compared between two groups as well as between two tests utilizing a repeated two-way ANOVA. Main results of the present study were as follows: 1) Regarding muscular strength, 1 RM of leg press, leg extension, leg curl, bench press, lat pull down, and biceps curl increased significantly in EX. 2) Regarding physique and body composition, body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, percent body fat, and waist circumference decreased significantly in EX. 3) Regarding blood lipid profiles, triglyceride (TG) decreased significantly in EX. There was a significant interaction between group and time in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and the HDL-C decreased significantly in CON. 4) Regarding insulin resistance, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in EX. 5) Regarding blood pressure, interaction between group and time was significant in systolic blood pressure. It was concluded that 12 weeks of resistance exercise would be beneficial for improvement of muscular strength and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in normal weight obese women, aged 30-40s, due to the enhancement of waist circumference, TG, HDL-C, and FPG.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Exercise-Related Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Introduction: The previous studies about exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) have mainly focused on sports activity, but information related to SCA in other forms of physical exercise is lacking. Our aim was to identify characteristics and prognosis of SCA victims in the general population who suffered SCA during physical activity.Methods and results: We collected retrospectively all cases of attempted resuscitation in Oulu University Hospital Area between 2007 and 2012. A total of 300 cases were of cardiac origin. We only included witnessed cases with Emergency Medical System arrival time ≤15 min. Cases of low-intensity physical activity were excluded. A total of 47 SCAs occurred during moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (exercise-group) and 43 cases took place at rest (rest–group). The subjects in exercise-group were younger compared to the rest-group (60 ± 14 years vs. 67 ± 14 years, p = 0.016). The initial rhythm recorded was more often ventricular fibrillation (VF) in exercise-group compared to the rest-group (77 vs. 50%, p = 0.010). Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) was rare in exercise-group compared to the rest -group (2.1 vs. 14%, p = 0.033, respectively). Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was more often performed when SCA took place during physical exercise (47 vs. 23 %, p = 0.020). Survival rates to hospital discharge were higher in the exercise-group compared to the rest -group (49 vs. 9.3%, p < 0.0001).Conclusions: SCA occurring during physical activity is more frequently a result of VF and bystander CPR is more often performed. There is also a notably better survival rate to hospital discharge.

체육수업참여정도가 마른 비만 여대생의 신체조성, 골밀도, 심폐기능에 미치는 영향

This study was investigated that effects of frequency of physical activity class participation on Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density and Cardiopulmonary function in female university students with normal weight obesity: 20 subjects in active exercise group(3 day(3 course)/wk) experienced exercise program in physical activity class participation, 20 subjects in passive exercise group(1 day(1 course)/wk), 20 subjects in control group.BR The measurement items are Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density and Cardiopulmonary function. All data were analyzed with the statistical program SPSS PC+(version 19.0).BR 1. Body composition analysis showed a significant difference of fat-free mass(F=6.890, p.01) based on each group.BR 2. Lumbar BMD analysis showed a significant difference of Lumbar 1(F=6.760, p.05), Lumbar 2(F=11.683, p.001), Lumbar 3(F=22.437, p.001), Lumbar 4(F=14.853, p.001) and Lumbar Total (F=16.387, p.001) based on each group. Femur BMD analysis showed a significant difference of Femur neck(F=12.743, p.001), Femur trochante(F=10.778, p.001), Femur Total(F=17.896, p.001) based on each group. Total BMD analysis showed a significant difference of Total BMD(F=14.514, p.001) based on each group.BR 3. Cardiopulmonary function analysis showed a significant difference of VO2max(F=39.851, p.001) based on each group.BR As a result, frequency of physical activity class participation may help to improve body composition, BMD and Cardiopulmonary function in female university students with normal weight obesity. Participation in active classes improves exercise habits and increases the efficiency of physical activity, which is believed to have a positive effect on early prevention and health promotion of women

Lower Body Negative Pressure Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Simulated Space Flight‐Induced Reductions of Balance Abilities in Males but not Females

Spaceflight causes sensorimotor adaptations that result in balance deficiencies upon return to a gravitational environment. Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) treadmill exercise has been shown to protect against deconditioning in various other physiological systems during simulated spaceflight. Therefore, we hypothesized that LBNP treadmill exercise prevents balance losses in both male and female identical twins during 30 days of 6° head‐down‐tilt (HDT) bed rest. Fifteen (8M and 7F) identical twin sets participated in 30 days of bed rest. Within each twin pair, one twin was randomly assigned to an exercise group that performed 40 min of supine LBNP treadmill exercise set to generate 1.0–1.2 body weight, followed by 5 min of static LBNP, 6 days/wk. Their identical sibling was assigned to a non‐exercise control group. Before and immediately after bed rest, subjects completed standing and walking rail balance tests with eyes open and eyes closed. In control subjects, standing rail balance times (men: −42%, women: −40%), rail walk distances (men: −44%, women: −32%), and rail walk times (men: −34%, women: −31%) significantly decreased after bed rest. Compared to controls, subjects in the LBNP treadmill exercise group showed significantly attenuated losses of standing rail balance time, with prevention of 63% of the loss in men, but without a significant prevention in women (41%). In addition, LBNP treadmill exercise mitigated decreases in rail walk time in men, but not in women. Therefore, treadmill exercise within LBNP during spaceflight may maintain balance control; yet this protective effect may, to some extent, depend on gender.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by NASA grants NAG 9‐1425, NCC2‐1133, NNX10AM18G, and NNX13AJ12G, NIH grant to the UCSD GCRC M01 RR00827. BRM was supported by National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NCC 9‐58. We thank our outstanding twins and staff at the UCSD General Clinical Research Center, as well as the UCSD Faculty Mentorship Program and the 2015 Julia Brown Research Scholarship.

Adverse Cardiovascular Response to Aerobic Exercise Training: Is This a Concern?

Aerobic exercise training in sedentary individuals improves physical fitness and various cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers. Nevertheless, there has been controversy as to whether exercise training may adversely affect some biomarkers in a small segment of the population. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether clinically significant worsening of CV biomarkers was more prevalent among individuals randomized to a supervised endurance training program as compared with those randomized to a control condition. Baseline and end of study measurements of fasting insulin (FI), triglycerides (TG), resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) were obtained on 1188 healthy sedentary subjects from 4 clinical studies. Each study randomized subjects to 4- to 6-month supervised aerobic exercise programs or to a control group of no supervised exercise training. For each of the 4 CV biomarkers, we calculated the respective proportions of control and exercise group subjects whose baseline-to-follow-up changes were greater than or equal to previously reported adverse change (AC) thresholds. Those thresholds were increases of 24 pmol · L(-1) or greater for FI, 0.42 mmol · L(-1) or greater for TG, 10 mm Hg or greater for SBP, and a decrease of 0.12 mmol · L(-1) or greater for HDL-C. The respective proportions of subjects meeting the AC threshold in the control and exercise groups were 15.2% versus 9.6% (P = 0.02) for FI, 14.9% versus 13.1% (P = 0.37) for TG, 16.9% versus 15.8% (P = 0.52) for SBP, and 28.6% versus 22.5% (P = 0.03) for HDL-C. All were nonsignificant at the 0.0125 Bonferroni threshold adjusting for multiple comparisons. These findings do not support the concept that aerobic exercise training increases the risk of adverse changes in the CV biomarkers we studied.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Exercise Using Biofeedback on Inspiratory Muscle Activity and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Stroke

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the influence of inspiratory muscle exercise using visual biofeedback and inspiratory muscle exercise with diaphragm breathing retraining in stroke patients in regard to inspiratory muscle activity and respiratory function and to provide fundamental information on intervention for improvement of pulmonary function in stroke patients. Methods: The current study measured and analyzed inspiratory muscle activity and pulmonary function of 15 randomly selected subjects in a Biofeedback inspiratory muscle exercise (BIE) group that uses visual feedback and 15 subjects in the Diaphragm breathing exercise (DBE) group that uses breathing retraining before and after intervention. Intervention was performed for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks. Subjects were measured for muscle activity of upper trapezius muscle and lattisimus dorsi muscle using a surface electromyography system and maximum inspiratory pressure was measured using a respiratory measurement device. For homogeneity test of subjects, independent t-test was performed and ANCOVA was performed for comparison of inspiratory muscle activity and pulmonary function between groups. Results: In the study results, the BIE group showed more significant muscle activity than the DBE group in upper trapezius muscle and lattisimus dorsi muscle (p<0.001). In addition, the BIE group showed more pressure than the DBE group in maximum inspiratory pressure (p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the current study, performing biofeedback respiration exercise simultaneously with breathing retraining in stroke patients can provide more efficient respiratory physical therapy. In addition, it is considered that consistent study on the effectiveness is necessary to further improve clinical availability.

Effects of home-based bench step exercise on inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles in elderly Japanese females: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based bench step exercise program on inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles in elderly females. MethodsSixty-two postmenopausal females (65–85 years of age) were randomized to either the bench step exercise group (n=31) or the control group (n=31). The subjects in the bench step exercise group were instructed to perform bench step exercises at the exercise intensity corresponding to lactate threshold (LT), three times per day 10–20min each session, for a goal of ≥140min/week at home for 12 weeks. At baseline and 12 weeks, circulating levels of nine inflammatory cytokines (high-molecular-weight adiponectin, interleukin-4 [IL-4], IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], TNF-β and interferon-γ [IFN-γ]) and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. ResultsThe bench step training at the LT significantly increased HDL-C levels and decreased IFN-γ concentrations in the subjects with lower (< 63mg/dL) baseline HDL-C levels (p<0.05). The change in IFN-γ inversely correlated with the change in HDL-C in the exercise group (ρ=−0.56, p<0.01), whereas this association was not observed in the control group. Additionally, principal component analysis-derived index of what we called “inflammatory status factor” was inversely associated with the changes in HDL-C in the exercise group. ConclusionThe bench step exercise-induced reduction in the IFN-γ levels may partially explain the degree of improvement in the HDL-C levels with the exercise program.

The effects of aerobic exercise training on serum osteocalcin, adipocytokines and insulin resistance on obese young males

Osteocalcin has been proposed to be a novel link between bone and energy metabolism. Previous studies showed its relations to exercise, body fat and glucose metabolism, but their interrelationship remains inconslusive. We evaluated the changes in osteocalcin level following 8-week exercise programme and assessed how they are related to concomitant changes in body fat composition, insulin resistance and various adipocytokines in a single centre, randomized and prospective design. A total of 39 young obese, otherwise healthy males were randomly assigned to control (n = 10) and exercise (n = 29) groups. Subjects in Exercise group were on 8-week supervised exercise training programme of four sessions per week. Body fat compositions were analysed using whole body bone mineral density, various metabolic parameters, osteocalcin and adipocytokines were assessed from fasting blood samples before and after 8-week exercise programme. Body fat reduction following exercise significantly increased serum total (1·51 ± 0·36 vs 1·69 ± 0·39 mmol/l, P = 0·01, baseline vs postexercise) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin level (0·44 ± 0·14 vs 0·64 ± 0·26 mmol/l, P < 0·01), and the increase in osteocalcin was in negative correlations with changes in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage as well as HOMA-IR and leptin (all P < 0·05). The changes in osteocalcin and leptin were not independent predictors of changes in insulin resistance and osteocalcin, respectively. In a physiological axis of bone-fat-energy metabolism, exercise-induced body fat reduction and improved insulin sensitivity were accompanied by an increase in serum osteocalcin and leptin levels, but other factors also seem to be involved in this interrelationship.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on chinese population with mild to moderate depression in Hong Kong.

Background. Exercise has been suggested to be a viable treatment for depression. This study investigates the effect of supervised aerobic exercise training on depressive symptoms and physical performance among Chinese patients with mild to moderate depression in early in-patient phase. Methods. A randomized repeated measure and assessor-blinded study design was used. Subjects in aerobic exercise group received 30 minutes of aerobic training, five days a week for 3 weeks. Depressive symptoms (MADRS and C-BDI) and domains in physical performance were assessed at baseline and program end. Results. Subjects in aerobic exercise group showed a more significant reduction in depressive scores (MADRS) as compared to control (between-group mean difference = 10.08 ± 9.41; P = 0.026) after 3 weeks training. The exercise group also demonstrated a significant improvement in flexibility (between-group mean difference = 4.4 ± 6.13; P = 0.02). Limitations. There was lack of longitudinal followup to examine the long-term effect of aerobic exercise on patients with depression. Conclusions. Aerobic exercise in addition to pharmacological intervention can have a synergistic effect in reducing depressive symptoms and increasing flexibility among Chinese population with mild to moderate depression. Early introduction of exercise training in in-patient phase can help to bridge the gap of therapeutic latency of antidepressants during its nonresponse period.

English

The Present study includes two independent groups of subjects. Sixty healthy volunteers were randomly selected and were assigned two groups of 30 subjects each. They were in the age range of 30-45 years. First group was the Yoga group which consisted of 17 males and13 females. The second group was the physical exercise group which consisted of 20 males and 10 females. After these subjects were randomly assigned to these two groups, Yoga group joined on three months yoga training course at Yoga Sikshasansthan. They attended yoga classes regularly and practiced yoga under guidance of qualified yoga teachers. The subjects in the physical exercise group started practicing brisk walk regularly in the morning hours. Initially base line recordings of four physiological parameters mainly systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, body weight were recorded individually for all the subjects in both Yoga group and physical exercise group. Later their mental health assessment was made by administering general health questionnaire. In conclusion it may be said that since both physical exercise group and yoga training group comprised of very healthy subjects, the impact of training is not glaring, including a control group and a clinical group such as obese or hypertension would certainly bring about subtle differences in the two systems. Regarding the psychological variables both yoga and physical exercise group showed significant change except in the case of somatic symptoms. In addition to these variables of assessment of subjective well being is also made on both the group before and after training, would give us an opportunity to compare the merits of these two systems.

The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise on Dynamic Balance and Gait Function in Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of core stabilization exercise on dynamic balance and gait function in stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 stroke patients, who were randomly divided into two groups: a core stabilization exercise group of eight subjects and control group of eight subjects. [Methods] Subjects in both groups received general training five times per week. Subjects in the core stabilization exercise group practiced an additional core stabilization exercise program, which was performed for 30 minutes, three times per week, during a period of four weeks. All subjects were evaluated for dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test, TUG) and gait parameters (velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length). [Results] Following intervention, the core exercise group showed a significant change in TUG, velocity, and cadence. The only significant difference observed between the core group and control group was in velocity. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the feasibility and suitability of core stabilization exercise for stroke patients.

Regular Exercise Is Associated with a Reduction in the Risk of NAFLD and Decreased Liver Enzymes in Individuals with NAFLD Independent of Obesity in Korean Adults

BackgroundWe evaluated the association of regular physical exercise with the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver enzymes in relation to obesity and insulin resistance.Methodology/Principal FindingsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 72,359 healthy Korean adults without diabetes who participated in a comprehensive health check-up. Subjects who have been exercising regularly (more than 3 times per week, at least for 30 minutes each time and for consecutive 3 month) were categorized into exercise group. All subjects were categorized into deciles based on their body mass index (BMI) and we estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for having NAFLD according to exercise regularity in each decile. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on ultrasonography findings. Individuals with NAFLD (n = 19,921) were analyzed separately to evaluate ORs for having elevated liver enzymes based on regularity of exercise. The risk for NAFLD was significantly reduced in exercise group with age- and sex-adjusted ORs of 0.53–0.72 for all BMI deciles except at BMI categories of <19.6 and 20.7–21.6 kg/m2. While no difference was seen in BMI between subjects in exercise and non-exercise group across the BMI deciles, the values of body fat percentage and metabolic risk factors differed. Among NAFLD patients, subjects in exercise group had a lower risk for having elevated liver enzymes with multivariable adjusted OR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.99, for AST) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.67–0.81, for ALT) than did subjects in non-exercise group.Conclusions/SignificanceRegular exercise was associated with a reduced risk for having NAFLD and decreased liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD, and this relationship was also independent of obesity.

The effect of glycerol supplements on aerobic and anaerobic performance of athletes and sedentary subjects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycerol supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance in sedentary subjects and athletes. The glycerol supplement treatments were as follows: 40 volunteers were selected and divided into two groups, sedentary and exercise groups. These two groups were further subdivided into two groups. The first group, the placebo (S), only consumed water; the second group (GS) consumed glycerol followed by water. Neither of these groups did any exercise for 20 days. The third and fourth groups consisted of the exercise group subjects; they were required to perform a 20-m shuttle run test every day for 20 days. The third group’s subjects, the placebo (E), only consumed water. The last group (GE) consumed glycerol followed by water. The Astrand Cycle Ergometer Test (ACET) was performed, and the Cosmed K4b2 portable gas analysis system was used to determine the aerobic capacity, while the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAPT) was performed to determine the level of anaerobic power. The 20 Meter Shuttle Run Test (20MSRT) was performed after glycerol supplementation throughout the 20 days, and the exercise periods and distances were recorded.The glycerol supplement was found to have an increasing effect on aerobic and anaerobic performance in GS, E and GE. A similar effect was found for the covered distances and time in the same groups. However, an adverse effect was found on body weight.