Subjects In Exercise Group Research Articles

Comparison the effect of stabilization and McKenzie exercises on pain, disability and lumbar multifidus muscle size in women with chronic non-specific low back pain

Introduction : Low back pain may cause clinical symptoms such as: reflex inhibition and atrophy of multifidus muscles, lumbar paraspinal muscles atrophy, dysfunction and disability. The atrophy of multifidus muscles could be a main cause of recurring back pain.. Therefore, present study compared the effect of stability and McKenzie exercises on pain, disability and multifidus size in women with chronic non-specific low back pain. Materials and Methods: 60 non-athletic women with chronic non-specific low back pain allocated in this research. They randomly and equally divided in to two experimental groups, 30 subjects (Mean ± SD age, 33.37 ± 7.92 year) in stabilization exercise group and 30 participants (Mean ± SD age, 37.00 ± 9.97 year) in McKenzie exercises group. Both groups performed exercise training for 6 weeks. The level of pain, disability, and the cross sectional area of lumbar multifidus muscle was respectively measured by visual analog scale (VAS), Ostwestry disability index and Ultrasonography imaging. These data were collected just before intervention, after 6 weeks of exercise intervention, and also at the end of 4 weeks follow-up period. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze the data and P 0.05). Conclusion: Stabilization and McKenzie exercises may improve pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, while stabilization exercise results in size improvement of lumbar multifidus muscles at L5 level. Therefore stabilization exercises may be more effective to prevent recurrent chronic low back pain. Keywords : Non-specific chronic low back pain, Stabilization exercises, McKenzie exercises, Lumbar multifidus muscle

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on Abdominal and Thigh Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Attenuation in Overweight Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundWe investigated the effects of exercise intensity on abdominal and mid-thigh adipose tissue, attenuation of skeletal muscle, and insulin sensitivity in overweight women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsTwenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to control (CG, n=12), moderate intensity exercise (MEG, n=8), or vigorous intensity exercise (VEG, n=8) group. Subjects in both exercise groups completed a 12-week exercise program (MEG, 3.6 to 5.2 METs; VEG, ≥5.2 METs) that was monitored by accelerometers. We assessed body mass index (BMI), total fat area (TFA), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), mid-thigh intramuscular adipose tissue (TIMAT), total skeletal muscle (TTM), low density skeletal muscle (TLDM), and normal density skeletal muscle (TNDM) using computed tomography, and measured insulin sensitivity with an insulin tolerance test (KITT), before and after the intervention.ResultsAt baseline, the mean age was 53.8±7.9 years, duration of diabetes was 3.8±2.3 years, and BMI was 26.6±2.6 kg/m2. After 12 weeks, the percent change (%C) in BMI, TIMAT, and TLDM were not different among three groups. However, %C in TFA and VFA were significantly reduced in MEG compared to CG (P=0.026 and P=0.008, respectively). %C SFA was significantly reduced in VEG compared to CG (P=0.038) and %C TTM, TNDM, and KITT were significantly increased in VEG compared to the CG (P=0.044, P=0.007, and P=0.016, respectively).ConclusionAlthough there was no difference in the change in BMI among groups, TFA and VFA were more reduced in MEG, and only VEG increased TTM, TNDM, and insulin sensitivity compared to CG.

Aquatic exercises versus land based exercises for elderly patients after a total hip replacement

Background: Aquatic therapy allows secure, active exercise with pain reduction using a combination of the water’s buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, resistance and warmth. By aquatic therapy, elderly patients after total hip replacement can achieve more positive effects than by land-based exercise. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of aquatic-based exercises in the rehabilitation programme after a hip fracture surgery in elderly adults. Results: Both groups, regardless of the type of exercises, improved statistically significantly in all parameters assessed by Harris Hip Score and Timed “Up & Go test”, when baseline and final measurements were compared. The group with aquatic-based exercises scored significantly better in Harris Hip Score (p < 0.05) and experienced significantly less pain (p < 0.05) as compared to the subjects in the land-based exercise group. Conclusions: Aquatic exercises have similar benefits as land-based exercises after a total hip replacement.

Comparison of the Effects of Exercise by Chronic Stroke Patients in Aquatic and Land Environments

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of land exercise and aquatic exercise on chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into a land exercise group (12 males and 10 females; average age: 56.09 ± 7.22 years) and an aquatic exercise group (15 males and 7 females; average age: 51.55 ± 8.27 years). Subjects from both groups received general conventional treatment during the experimental period. In addition, all subjects engaged in extra treatment sessions. This extra treatment consisted of trunk stability strengthening exercises and balance training exercises in the land exercise group, whereas in the aquatic exercise group subjects participated in balance board exercises and walking exercises using buoyancy equipment in the hospital swimming pool. [Results] The joint position sense test and performance oriented mobility assessment showed significant improvements in both groups. However, the joint position sense test and performance oriented mobility assessment showed there was more improvement in the aquatic exercise group than in the land exercise group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that aquatic exercise is more effective than land exercise at improving the joint position sense and clinical functions of stroke patients.

운동부하 심전도를 이용한 중년 남성들의 걷기 운동이 ST/HR 경사 및 QRS 벡터에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 중년 남성들을 대상으로 3년간 1년에 1회씩 3차례에 걸쳐 운동부하 검사 시 심전도 반응을 측정하여 야외 및 트레드밀 걷기 운동 참여 여부에 따라 부하 심전도의 변화에 어떠한 양상이 나타나는지를 규명하고자, 안정 시 신체조성 분석, 운동부하 검사 시 심전도 반응을 측정하였다. 안정 시 신체조성 분석은 체지방율과 BMI를 측정하였고, 안정 시 및 운동부하 검사 시 심전도 반응은 ST/HR 경사 및 QRS 벡터를 측정하였는데, 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. ST/HR 경사의 변화에 있어서 운동 6분부터 통제 집단은 감소하기 시작하여 운동 9분과 peak시에 <TEX>$2.4\;{\mu}V/bpm$</TEX> 이하로 감소하여 허혈 증상이 나타났다. 2. QRS 벡터의 축 각도에 있어서 안정 시 전면 축은 시간이 경과함에 따라 통제 집단이 우측으로 유의하게 편향되었고, 안정 시 수평면 축은 시간이 경과함에 따라 통제 집단이 등 쪽으로 유의하게 향하였다. 안정 시 수평면 파고의 길이에 있어서 통제 집단은 시간이 경과함에 따라 유의하게 감소하였고 걷기 운동 집단은 유의하게 증가하였다. 결론적으로 비 활동의 중년 남성들은 운동 중 심근 허혈 유발, QRS 벡터의 편향 등이 현저하게 나타난 반면, 규칙적인 야외 및 트레드밀 걷기 활동에 참여한 중년 남성들은 심혈관계 질환 위험 요소의 감소로 심장기능이 향상된 결과를 알 수 있었다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of long term ECG response in a company with middle-aged male employees. Subjects were 60 men who were 40~55 years old. We enrolled 30 exercise group subjects into a 3-year exercise program. In measurement index, body composition was measured by % body fat and BMI. Exercise stress test analyses were measured using ST/HR slope and QRS vector. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of repeated ANOVA. Results of this study were as follows: In ST/HR slope, the control group showed symptoms of ischemia after nine minutes of exercise. In the rest frontal axis of the QRS vector, the control group had a tendency towards right axis deviation. In the rest horizontal amplitude of the QRS vector, the control group had a tendency to show a significant decrease, but it was increased significantly in the exercise group. These findings suggest that inactive company workers was showed a decrease of exercise capacity, early diagnosis exercise-induced ST depression, and prolonged deviation of QRS vector, but that cardiac function could be elevated in active middle aged men through regular exercise program participation.

The effects of low-intensity resistance training with vascular restriction on leg muscle strength in older men

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of two types of resistance training protocols on the adaptation of skeletal muscle strength in older men. Thirty-seven healthy male subjects (50-64 years) participated in this study. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity (80% 1-RM) resistance training (RT80); low-intensity (20% 1-RM) resistance training with vascular restriction (VR-RT20); and a control group (CON) that performed no exercise. Subjects in both exercise groups performed three upper body (at 80% 1-RM) and two lower body exercises either with (20% 1-RM) or without (80% 1-RM) vascular restriction three times a week for 6 weeks. As expected, the RT80 and VR-RT20 groups had significantly (p < 0.01) greater strength increases in all upper body and leg press exercises compared with CON, however, absolute strength gains for the RT80 and VR-RT20 groups were similar (p > 0.05). It should be noted that the percentage increase in leg extension strength for the RT80 group was significantly greater than that for both the VR-RT20 (p < 0.05) and CON groups (p < 0.01), while the percentage increase in leg extension strength for the VR-RT20 group was significantly (p < 0.01) greater than that for the CON. The findings suggested that leg muscle strength improves with the low-load vascular restriction training and the VR-RT20 training protocol was almost as effective as the RT80 training protocol for increasing muscular strength in older men.

Efficacy of a Home-Based Exercise Program for Orthotopic Heart Transplant Recipients

Background:A hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program can significantly improve the cardiopulmonary endurance and quality of life (QOL) in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Home-based programs for these patients have advantages of low cost and high accessibility, but little is known about their efficacy. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week home-based exercise program on muscular strength and endurance of lower limbs, aerobic capacity and QOL in OHT recipients. Methods:Thirty-seven OHT recipients were randomized into exercise (n = 14) or control (n = 23) groups. Exercise group subjects were to exercise at least 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Each subject was evaluated by Cybex testing of right quadriceps strength and endurance, 1-min sit-to-stand test, a symptom-limited maximal exercise test and QOL assessment before and after 8 weeks. Results: Subjects in the exercise group improved significantly in sit-to-stand test, fatigue index of the right quadriceps, maximal workload achieved and physical domain of QOL compared to controls after 8 weeks, regardless of older age and lower value for sit-to-stand test at baseline. Conclusions: OHT recipients can significantly improve their muscular endurance, sit-to-stand test scores and QOL after a medically directed home-based exercise program.

HIP ABDUCTOR EXERCISE AND LATERAL STABILITY IN OLDER ADULTS AT RISK OF FALLS.

Purpose/Hypothesis: Impaired lateral stability may contribute to falls in older adults. Maintenance of lateral stability requires the hip abductor muscles to generate force rapidly and with precise coordination. The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary data on the effects of a 10-week program of high-velocity resistance training using a lateral trainer in older adults at increased risk for falls. Subjects: Twenty-one community-dwelling older adults between the ages of 74 and 93 years participated in the study. All subjects were identified as being at increased risk of falls on the basis of clinical balance test scores. Materials/Methods: Subjects were randomized to exercise (n=10, mean age 84.50 ± 5.58 years) and control (n=11, mean age 83.55 ± 3.24 years) groups. Exercise group subjects performed lateral trainer exercise 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Control group subjects were asked to maintain their regular physical activity and exercise levels. Balance confidence, hip abductor maximal muscle strength and rate of force development, clinical balance test performance (Four Square Step Test, Single Limb Stance, 360° Turn) and walking speed were evaluated at pre-, mid- (5-week) and post-intervention sessions. Linear mixed model analyses were applied to estimate means of outcome variables by group and time. Results: One subject in the exercise group withdrew after midintervention testing. Exercise group subjects who completed the intervention attended at least 85% of the exercise sessions (at least 25 sessions). No significant adverse events occurred in association with the intervention. Compared to control group subjects, exercise group subjects demonstrated faster performance on the 360° Turn after intervention (p=.0131). No other significant between-group differences were found. Conclusions: Lateral trainer exercise can be performed safely by older adults. Although subjects in the exercise group demonstrated improved performance on one dynamic balance test after the intervention, the lack of other between-group differences suggests limited effectiveness of lateral trainer exercises when performed in isolation. Lateral trainer exercise may be beneficial as one component in a multifaceted intervention program. Clinical Relevance: Lateral trainer exercise may help to increase rapid, dynamic turning ability in older adults at risk of falls.

A systematic review and synthesis of higher quality evidence of the effectiveness of exercise interventions for non-specific low back pain of at least 6 weeks' duration

Systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) generally support the use of exercise interventions to reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). However, many RCTs in the field of LBP include small numbers of subjects, have significant methodological limitations and use diverse exercise interventions. This review shows that the smaller RCTs often overestimate the true effectiveness or fail to detect true benefits. Also, statistically significant results from RCTs of low methodological quality might not be valid. This review showed that evidence from RCTs that are larger (≥ 40 subjects in exercise group), score high on the adapted van Tulder methodological quality criteria (≥ 5/10) and have used adequate statistical tests, support the use of exercise for patients with LBP of at least 6 weeks' duration, although the effect sizes tend to be smaller. This higher quality evidence particularly supports the use of strengthening exercises, (organised) aerobic exercises, general exercises, hydrotherapy and McKenzie exercises for back pain of at least 6 weeks' duration.

Effects of a Sun-style Tai Chi Exercise on Arthritic Symptoms, Motivation and the Performance of Health Behaviors in Women with Osteoarthritis

Tai Chi exercise, an ancient Chinese martial art, has drawn more and more attention for its health benefits. The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of a Sun-style Tai Chi exercise on arthritic symptoms (joint pain and stiffness), motivation for performing health behaviors, and the performance of health behaviors among older women with osteoarthritis. Total of 72 women with the mean age of 63 years old were recruited from outpatients clinic or public health centers according to the inclusion criteria and assigned randomly to either the Tai Chi exercise group or the control. A Sun-style Tai Chi exercise has been provided three times a week for the first two weeks, and then once a week for another 10 weeks. In 12 weeks of study period, 22 subjects in the Tai Chi exercise group and 21 subjects in the control group completed the posttest measure with the dropout rate of 41%. Outcome variables included arthritic symptoms measured by K-WOMAC, motivation for health behavior, and health behaviors. At the completion of the 12 week Tai Chi exercise, the Tai Chi group perceived significantly less joint pain (t=-2.19, p=0.03) and stiffness (t=-2.24, p=0.03), perceived more health benefits (t=2.67, p=0.01), and performed better health behaviors (t=2.35, p=0.02), specifically for diet behavior (t=2.06, p=0.04) and stress management (t=2.97, p=0.005). A Sun-style Tai Chi exercise was found as beneficial for women with osteoarthritis to reduce their perceived arthritic symptoms, improve their perception of health benefits to perform better health behaviors.

Exercise training reduces fatty acid availability and improves the insulin sensitivity of glucose metabolism

It is not known whether the beneficial effects of exercise training on insulin sensitivity are due to changes in hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity or whether the changes in insulin sensitivity can be explained by adaptive changes in fatty acid metabolism, changes in visceral fat or changes in liver and muscle triacylglycerol content. We investigated the effects of 6 weeks of supervised exercise in sedentary men on these variables. We randomised 17 sedentary overweight male subjects (age 50 +/- 2.6 years, BMI 27.6 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2)) to a 6-week exercise programme (n = 10) or control group (n = 7). The insulin sensitivity of palmitic acid production rate (Ra), glycerol Ra, endogenous glucose Ra (EGP), glucose uptake and glucose metabolic clearance rate were measured at 0 and 6 weeks with a two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp [step 1, 0.3 (low dose); step 2, 1.5 (high dose) mU kg(-1) min(-1)]. In the exercise group subjects were studied >72 h after the last training session. Liver and skeletal muscle triacylglycerol content was measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and visceral adipose tissue by cross-sectional computer tomography scanning. After 6 weeks, fasting glycerol, palmitic acid Ra (p = 0.003, p = 0.042) and NEFA concentration (p = 0.005) were decreased in the exercise group with no change in the control group. The effects of low-dose insulin on EGP and of high-dose insulin on glucose uptake and metabolic clearance rate were enhanced in the exercise group but not in the control group (p = 0.026; p = 0.007 and p = 0.04). There was no change in muscle triacylglycerol and liver fat in either group. Decreased availability of circulating NEFA may contribute to the observed improvement in the insulin sensitivity of EGP and glucose uptake following 6 weeks of moderate exercise.

RESISTANCE TRAINING AND DETRAINING EFFECTS ON FLEXIBILITY PERFORMANCE IN THE ELDERLY ARE INTENSITY-DEPENDENT

The present investigation attempted to determine whether resistance exercise intensity affects flexibility and strength performance in the elderly following a 6-month resistance training and detraining period. Fifty-eight healthy, inactive older men (65- 78 yrs) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: a control group (C, n = 10), a low-intensity resistance training group (LI, n = 14, 40% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), a moderate-intensity resistance training group (MI, n = 12, 60% of 1RM), or a high-intensity resistance training group (HI, n = 14, 80% of 1RM). Subjects in exercise groups followed a 3 days per week, whole-body (10 exercises, 3 sets per exercise) protocol for 24 weeks. Training was immediately followed by a 24-week detraining period. Strength (bench and leg press 1RM) and range of motion in trunk, elbow, knee, shoulder, and hip joints were measured at baseline and during training and detraining. Resistance training increased upper- (34% in LI, 48% in MI, and 75% in HI) and lower-body strength (38% in LI, 53% in MI, and 63% in HI) in an intensity-dependent manner. Flexibility demonstrated an intensity-dependent enhancement (3-12% in LI, 6-22% in MI, and 8-28% in HI). Detraining caused significant losses in strength (70-98% in LI, 44-50% in MI, and 27-29% in HI) and flexibility (90-110% in LI, 30-71% in MI, and 23-51% in HI) in an intensity-dependent manner. Results indicate that resistance training by itself improves flexibility in the aged. However, intensities greater than 60% of 1RM are more effective in producing flexibility gains, and strength improvement with resistance training is also intensity-dependent. Detraining seems to reverse training strength and flexibility gains in the elderly in an intensity-dependent manner.

Resistance Training and Detraining Effects on Flexibility Performance in the Elderly Are Intensity-Dependent

The present investigation attempted to determine whether resistance exercise intensity affects flexibility and strength performance in the elderly following a 6-month resistance training and detraining period. Fifty-eight healthy, inactive older men (65- 78 yrs) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: a control group (C, n = 10), a low-intensity resistance training group (LI, n = 14, 40% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), a moderate-intensity resistance training group (MI, n = 12, 60% of 1RM), or a high-intensity resistance training group (HI, n = 14, 80% of 1RM). Subjects in exercise groups followed a 3 days per week, whole-body (10 exercises, 3 sets per exercise) protocol for 24 weeks. Training was immediately followed by a 24-week detraining period. Strength (bench and leg press 1RM) and range of motion in trunk, elbow, knee, shoulder, and hip joints were measured at baseline and during training and detraining. Resistance training increased upper- (34% in LI, 48% in MI, and 75% in HI) and lower-body strength (38% in LI, 53% in MI, and 63% in HI) in an intensity-dependent manner. Flexibility demonstrated an intensity-dependent enhancement (3-12% in LI, 6-22% in MI, and 8-28% in HI). Detraining caused significant losses in strength (70-98% in LI, 44-50% in MI, and 27-29% in HI) and flexibility (90-110% in LI, 30-71% in MI, and 23-51% in HI) in an intensity-dependent manner. Results indicate that resistance training by itself improves flexibility in the aged. However, intensities greater than 60% of 1RM are more effective in producing flexibility gains, and strength improvement with resistance training is also intensity-dependent. Detraining seems to reverse training strength and flexibility gains in the elderly in an intensity-dependent manner.

STRENGTH TRAINING OF THE CERVICAL SPINE

Few studies have examined neck extensor strength testing/training in healthy or clinical populations. This partly because of safety concerns in the neck, and because there is limited technology available for cervical strength testing/training. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a low-cost, portable exercise device for cervical extensor strengthening. METHODS Thirty subjects (25 able bodied and 5 patients) comprised of 16 females and 14 males, 18 to 67 years of age, voluntarily participated. Nonpatients were randomly assigned to one of three groups of ten: Control; Exercise 1 (strength training with the experimental device); Exercise 2 (Cervical exercise strength training with an established clinical testing/training device). Five cervical patients were randomly chosen from a clinical population and placed in the Exercise 2 group. All subjects were tested in a device which measured isometric strength at seven (7) positions through full cervical range of motion. Subjects in both exercise groups trained twice a week for 6 weeks, and exercised to volitional fatigue in each session. After training all subjects were retested following the pre-study testing protocol. RESULTS Exercise 2 group showed significant gains in strength (p < .0001) and range of motion (p < .01). Exercise 1 group showed significant gains in strength but not range of motion (p > 0.2). The Control group showed no significant change in strength or range of motion. CONCLUSION The low cost device appeared to be safe, and demonstrated gains in strength. It may be used following rehabilitation as an ‘after care’ exercise device once the patient's discharge status has been determined, further studies on purely clinical populations are indicated.

저,중강도 운동프로그램이 중,노년 고혈압여성의 혈압, 신체조성, 혈중지질에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low intensity and moderate intensity exercise programs on blood pressure, body composition, and serum lipids in middle-aged and older female hypertensives. The number of subjects in low intensity exercise group and moderate intensity exercise group were 7 and. 11, respectively. The age of the subjects were between 50 and 70 years old and systolic blood pressure were in the range of 140∼160mmHg. Low intensity exercise program(5days/week) was consisted of swimming, badminton, folk dance, gate ball, etc for 60 minutes on monday, wednesday, friday and walking for 30 minutes on tuesday, thursday at the exercise intensity of 50%HRR(heart rate reserve). Moderate intensity exercise program was consisted of 10 minutes of warming up exercise, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at 50-70%HRR, 15 minutes of resistance exercise, and 5 minutes of cooling down. Frequency of the exercise was 4 times per week. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measure was used to analyze the data and the results were as follows : 1. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of low intensity exercise group decreased (12.6mmHg, 5.2mmHg) significantly after exercise program(p.05). In moderate intensity exercise group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased(5.2mmHg, 1.6mmHg) after exercise program but it was not statistically significant. 2. Percent body fat was significantly changed after exercise program in both groups, with larger changes in moderate intensity group(4.1% vs 0.7%). 3. Total cholesterol, high density lipids cholesterol, low density lipids cholesterol, triglycerides showed trends of positive changes in both groups after exercise program but it was not statistically significant.

Effectiveness of Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program on Strength and Range of Motion in Women with Arthritis

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) exercises on strength and range of motion (ROM) measures in women with arthritis. Exercise group (EX) subjects (n = 17) trained three times a week for 6 weeks in AFAP classes. Pre- and posttest isometric strength and ROM tests were conducted on shoulder and hip abduction movements on both limbs. For hip abduction. EX subjects made significant increases in isometric strength and ROM measures ranging from 13.0 to 17.0%. No significant changes in strength or ROM measures for shoulder abduction were found for the EX group. The control group (n = 10) demonstrated no significant changes in isometric or ROM measures for either joint test. The basic 6-week AFAP protocol appears sufficient to induce strength and ROM changes in joints affected by arthritis but may not be sufficient to induce similar changes for joint motions not affected by arthritis.

COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND MUSCLE RELAXATION TRAINING IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Forty-five patients with mild essential hypertension, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 90 and 104 mmHg, were randomly allocated to three different treatment groups: relaxation, isotonic physical exercise or placebo. Outcome measures included blood pressure readings and heart rate (HR) in the clinic and cardiovascular responsiveness (mental arithmetic and isotonic exercise). The study schedule consisted of four baseline sessions, 8 weeks of treatment and 6 months follow-up. Relaxation and physical exercise were superior to the placebo procedure in reducing blood pressure (BP) at post-treatment for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP and at follow-up for SBP. No significant differences were found between the experimental procedures. However, relaxation was superior to the exercise programme at follow-up for HR. None of the subjects had their medication changed at post-treatment. However, after 6 months follow-up, three placebo subjects were started on antihypertensive drugs. In contrast, none of the exercise and relaxation group subjects were placed on medication. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Endurance Training of Trunk Extensor Muscles

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an endurance exercise protocol on the isometric holding time of the trunk extensor muscles (mechanical fatigue measure) and on the recorded median frequency (MF) measurements from the surface electromyogram (physiological fatigue measure). Twenty-eight healthy female volunteers were selected to participate in the study. The subjects were stratified by activity level and then assigned to an exercise or a control group and tested at weeks 0, 3, and 6. Reliability (r) of the measurements, established by testing each subject twice at week 0, was .87. Exercise group subjects trained at home twice daily for 6 weeks, progressing by established protocol. The exercise group subjects increased their isometric holding time by 22% after 6 weeks. The control group showed no significant changes. The home program was believed to be effective for increasing isometric endurance of the trunk extensors, measured by holding time. The MF measurements prior to and just after a fatiguing contraction remained stable over time. The change in the slope of the MF with fatigue did not reach statistical significance. This physiologic measure of fatigue did not show commensurate changes with training in this group of subjects. Possible reasons for the results are discussed.

Micronutrient status in females during a 24-week fitness-type exercise program.

Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron and zinc status, assessed from blood samples, was studied during a 24-week fitness-type exercise program. Subjects in exercise (n = 21) and control (n = 18) groups were female university students, aged 18-33 years. Erythrocyte (E) transketolase and glutathione activation coefficient, serum magnesium, zinc and ferritin, blood hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume were similar in both groups throughout the entire study. E-aspartate aminotransferase activation coefficient (vitamin B6 status) increased (4%) in exercise and decreased (7%) in control groups (p = 0.04), respectively. E-magnesium was stable in exercise but decreased (4%) in control groups (p = 0.004%). E-zinc increased (9%) in exercise subjects but remained stable in controls (p < 0.0001). A marginally altered vitamin B6 status was the only negative change found in exercise subjects.

Changes in Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Strength Using Isometric Exercise Versus Electrical Stimulation

Reports in the literature appear to support the effectiveness of electrical stimulation as a means of increasing strength in normal muscles. The objective of this study was to measure and compare quadriceps muscle torque, isometrically and isokinetically, in three groups: 1) control group subjects (N = 9) did not alter their daily activities for 5 weeks, 2) isometric exercise group subjects (N = 10) exercised their quadriceps femoris muscle using maximum voluntary isometric exercises 3 times per week for 5 weeks, and 3) electrical stimulation group subjects (N = 10) who had 10 quadriceps femoris muscle contractions produced by electrical stimulation, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. No strength changes were noted in the control group; ANOVA revealed significant strength increases (P < 0.05) for both the electrical stimulation and isometric exercise groups. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987;8(11):537-541.