Traditional Forms Of Exercise Research Articles

Reversal of Soleus Muscle Atrophy in Older Adults: A Non-Volitional Exercise Intervention for a Changing Climate.

The World Health Organization recommends that older adults undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity over the course of each week in order to maintain physical, mental, and social health. This goal turns out to be very difficult for most community dwelling older adults to achieve, due to both actual and perceived barriers. These barriers include personal health limitations, confinement issues, and self-imposed restrictions such as fear of injury. Climate change exacerbates the confinement issues and injury fears among the elderly. To assist older adults in obtaining the benefits of increased physical activity under increasingly challenging climate conditions, we propose a targeted non-volitional intervention which could serve as a complement to volitional physical activity. Exogenous neuro-muscular stimulation of the soleus muscles is a non-invasive intervention capable of significantly increasing cardiac output in sedentary individuals. Long-term daily use has been shown to improve sleep, reduce bone loss, and reverse age-related cognitive decline, all of which are significant health concerns for older adults. These outcomes support the potential benefit of exogenous neuro-muscular stimulation as a complementary form of physical activity which older adults may find convenient to incorporate into their daily life when traditional forms of exercise are difficult to achieve due to barriers to completing traditional physical activities as a result of in-home or in-bed confinement, perceptual risks, or real environmental risks such as those arising from climate change.

Anxiety Reduction and Emotional Responding After a Session of Yoga

Background: Anxiety reductions after traditional forms of exercise are typically small and most likely to occur after high intensities. Whether yoga, an alternative mindful exercise that is commonly practiced at light-to-moderate intensities, reduces anxiety is poorly understood.

High intensity training in obesity: a Meta-analysis.

SummaryIntroductionHigh Intensity training (HIT) is a time‐effective alternative to traditional exercise programs in adults with obesity, but the superiority in terms of improving cardiopulmonary fitness and weight loss has not been demonstrated.Objectiveto determine the effectiveness of HIT on cardiopulmonary fitness and body composition in adults with obesity compared to traditional (high volume continuous) exercise.MethodsA systematic search of the main health science databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing HIT with traditional forms of exercise in people with obesity. Eighteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The (unstandardized) mean difference of each outcome parameters was calculated and pooled with the random effects model.ResultsHIT resulted in greater improvement of cardiopulmonary fitness (VO2max) (MD 1.83, 95% CI 0.70, 2.96, p<0.005; I2=31%) and a greater reduction of %body fat (MD ‐1.69, 95% CI ‐3.10, ‐0.27, p=0.02, I2=30%) compared to traditional exercise. Overall effect for BMI was not different between HIT and traditional exercise.ConclusionTraining at high intensity is superior to improve cardiopulmonary fitness and to reduce %body fat in adults with obesity compared to traditional exercise. Future studies are needed to design specific HIT programs for the obese with regard to optimal effect and long‐term adherence.

Are Injuries More Common With CrossFit Training Than Other Forms of Exercise?

Clinical Scenario: CrossFit is a form of exercise that incorporates rapid and successive high-intensity ballistic movements. As CrossFit is an increasingly popular fitness option, it is important to determine how rates of injury compare to more traditional forms of exercise. This review was conducted to ascertain the incidence of injury with CrossFit relative to other forms of exercise. Focused Clinical Question: Are injuries more common with CrossFit training than other forms of exercise? Summary of Key Findings: (1)The literature was searched for studies that compared injury rates among individuals who participated in CrossFit fitness programs to participants in other exercise programs. (2)The search initially yielded >100 results, which were narrowed down to 3 level 2b retrospective cohort studies that were deemed to have met inclusion/exclusion criteria. (3)In all 3 reviewed studies, the reported incidences of injuries associated with CrossFit training programs were comparable or lower than rates of injury in Olympic weightlifting, distance running, track and field, rugby, or gymnastics. Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence suggests that the injury risk from CrossFit training is comparable to Olympic weightlifting, distance running, track and field, rugby, football, ice hockey, soccer, or gymnastics. Injuries to the shoulder(s) appear to be somewhat common with CrossFit. However, the certitude of these conclusions is questionable given the lack of randomization, control, or uniform training in the reviewed studies. Clinicians should be aware that injury is more prevalent in cases where supervision is not always available to athletes. This is more often the case for male participants who may not actively seek supervision during CrossFit exercise. Strength of Recommendation: Level 2b evidence from 3 retrospective cohort studies indicates that the risk of injury from participation in CrossFit is comparable to or lower than some common forms of exercise or strength training.

Physiological responses and exercise preference between the Trikke and the bicycle ergometer

Background/ObjectiveThe positive relationship between health benefits or the wellbeing of individuals and their engagement in physical activity is well-documented. Nevertheless, many Americans show no interest or perceive that “exercise is boring” as one of the reasons for not exercising. For these reasons, it is important to promote fun and enjoyment aspects of the activity to motivate people to participate in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses and the perception of enjoyment between the Trikke and the bicycle ergometer. MethodsThirty college students (15 males and 15 females) aged 18–45 years old voluntarily participated in the study and showed up on three occasions. The first session involved a 5-minute instructional video and practice on the Trikke. Participants were then randomized into sessions which involved either riding the Trikke or the bicycle ergometer. Participants of each group performed a 20-minute ride at 75–80% of maximal predicted heart rate. ResultsResults of mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVAs) indicated that VO2, energy expenditure, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of the participants were significantly (p < 0.001) higher when using the bicycle ergometer than the Trikke, and female participants were able to manipulate the Trikke more efficiently than their male counterparts. ConclusionParticipants were more efficient in using the Trikke than the bicycle ergometer. The Trikke may be an enjoyable alternative for those individuals, particularly women, who have lost interest in traditional forms of exercise.

A Comparison of Energy Expenditure During "Wii Boxing" Versus Heavy Bag Boxing in Young Adults.

Traditional computer videogames are sedentary, whereas new computer videogames, such as the Nintendo(®) (Redmond, WA) "Wii™ Sports" games, allow users to physically interact while playing the sport. Energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during heavy bag boxing versus the Nintendo "Wii Boxing" game were compared. Fifteen males and 14 females (mean age, 25.6 years; height, 171.3 cm; weight, 71.8 kg) randomly selected (by a coin toss) heavy bag boxing or "Wii Boxing" for their first test session and completed the other protocol at their second session at least 2 days later. Each session lasted for a total duration of 30 minutes and consisted of 10 3-minute exercise bouts with measurements of HR, RPE, and EE obtained from indirect calorimetry. A paired-samples t test was used to analyze the results. Significant differences were found for HR (bag, 156 beats per minute; Wii, 138 beats per minute; P=0.001) and RPE (bag, 13.8; Wii, 11.4; P=0.0001) but not for EE (bag, 8.0 kcal/minute; Wii, 7.1 kcal/minute; bag, 241 total kcal; Wii, 213 total kcal; P=0.078). The results suggest that computer active videogames, such as the Nintendo Wii, have the potential to provide similar EE as their traditional forms of exercise and may be a sufficient replacement for traditional target HR zone activities, especially in less fit individuals. Further research is needed to compare EE for different "Wii Sports" games with those for their traditional forms of exercise.

Exergaming in older adults: A scoping review and implementation potential for patients with heart failure

Background:Physical activity can improve exercise capacity, quality of life and reduce mortality and hospitalization in patients with heart failure (HF). Adherence to exercise recommendations in patients with HF is low. The use of exercise games (exergames) might be a way to encourage patients with HF to exercise especially those who may be reluctant to more traditional forms of exercise. No studies have been conducted on patients with HF and exergames.Aim:This scoping review focuses on the feasibility and influence of exergames on physical activity in older adults, aiming to target certain characteristics that are important for patients with HF to become more physically active.Methods:A literature search was undertaken in August 2012 in the databases PsychInfo, PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. Included studies evaluated the influence of exergaming on physical activity in older adults. Articles were excluded if they focused on rehabilitation of specific limbs, improving specific tasks or describing no intervention. Fifty articles were found, 11 were included in the analysis.Results:Exergaming was described as safe and feasible, and resulted in more energy expenditure compared to rest. Participants experienced improved balance and reported improved cognitive function after exergaming. Participants enjoyed playing the exergames, their depressive symptoms decreased, and they reported improved quality of life and empowerment. Exergames made them feel more connected with their family members, especially their grandchildren.Conclusion:Although this research field is small and under development, exergaming might be promising in order to enhance physical activity in patients with HF. However, further testing is needed.

Students’ Views on Physical Development and Physical Self-Concept in Adventure-Physical Education

This study investigated 10th-grade students’ views concerning the physical effects of an adventure-physical education curriculum and the potential of such a curriculum to enhance components of a multidimensional model of physical self-concept. Semistructured interviews were used to obtain students’ views and participant observations were conducted to corroborate those views. Open coding was used to analyze the data. Students viewed adventure activities as an alternative way to be physically active that was more fun and motivating than traditional forms of exercise. Students expressed how the adventure activities helped them build strength and endurance particularly in their arms and legs. Students felt seven components (body fat, coordination, endurance/fitness, flexibility, physical activity, sports competence, and strength) of physical self-concept were relevant to adventure-physical education and two components (appearance and health) were not. Implications for designing activities and employing teaching strategies to enhance the physical self-concept and fitness of young people are discussed.

THE EFFECT OF SUPERSLOW??? TRAINING ON RESTING BLOOD PRESSURE IN COLLEGE-AGE MALES

Superslow™ training is an alternative to more traditional forms of exercise. According to its founder, a certified SuperSlow™ program will improve many cardiovascular health parameters, including resting blood pressure. PURPOSE To test the efficacy of a certified Superslow™ program by comparing results to a traditional exercise program. METHODS 39 college-age males volunteered to be randomly placed in one of three groups: Traditional exercise (TE), SuperSlow (SS) and a control group (C). All subjects were pretested and stratified based on initial muscle strength. The two exercise groups (TE & SS) engaged in 16 weeks of supervised training based on group assignment with the control group performing normal daily activities. The TE group followed the guidelines of the 1998 ACSM position statement while SS group engaged in a certified SuperSlow™ protocol supervised by a certified SuperSlow™ trainer. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the training period. Data were statistically analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS Changes in systolic blood pressure were significantly different (TE = 120.27 mmHg vs. 114.64 mmHg; SS = 120.86 mmHg vs. 120.62 mmHg; C = 120.93 mmHg vs. 121.38 mmHg). Changes in diastolic blood pressure were also statistically significant between groups (TE = 70.93 mmHg vs. 65.85 mmHg; SS = 71.27 mmHg vs. 75.08 mmHg; C = 74.27 mmHg vs. 71.23 mmHg). CONCLUSION The results of an ANOVA analysis suggest that, unlike the TE group, SuperSlow™ training does not lower resting blood pressure values.