The effect of a supported exercise programme in patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes: A pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of either a standard care programme (n?=?9) or a 12-week supported exercise programme (n?=?10) on glycaemic control, β-cell responsiveness, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. The standard care programme consisted of advice to exercise at moderate to high intensity for 30?min five times a week; the supported exercise programme consisted of three 60-min supported plus two unsupported exercise sessions per week. Between-group analyses demonstrated a difference for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol only (standard care programme 0.01 mmol?·?L^?1, supported exercise programme –0.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.04). Following the standard care programme, within-group analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in waist circumference, whereas following the supported exercise programme there were reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin (6.4 vs. 6.0%; P?=?0.007), waist circumference (101.4 vs. 97.2?cm; P?=?0.021), body mass (91.7 vs. 87.9?kg; P?=?0.007), body mass index (30.0 vs. 28.7?kg?·?m^?2; P?=?0.006), total cholesterol (5.3 vs. 4.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.046), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2 vs. 2.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.028), fasting β-cell responsiveness (11.5?×?10^?9 vs. 7.0?×?10^?9 pmol?·?kg^?1?·?min^?1; P?=?0.009), and insulin resistance (3.0 vs. 2.1; P?=?0.049). The supported exercise programme improved glycaemic control through enhanced β-cell function associated with decreased insulin resistance and improved lipid profile. This research highlights the need for research into unsupported and supported exercise programmes to establish more comprehensive lifestyle advice for Type 2 diabetes patients.     

Effects of vibration and exercise training on bone mineral density and muscle strength in post-menopausal women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a specific vibration programme with those of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and muscular strength in post-menopausal women, over a period of 6 months. Thirty-two healthy, inactive post-menopausal women aged 46–62 years were divided into exercise (n = 10), vibration (n = 13), and control (n = 9) groups. The exercise group participated in a supervised programme of strength training at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) 2 days a week, and aerobic exercise at 70–85% of maximum heart rate one day a week. The vibration group performed vibration training 3 days a week (9 sets×45–80 s per session, 35–40 Hz, peak-to-peak amplitude of vertical vibration = 1.5 mm) on a vibration platform (NemesTM LCB, Bosco System). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L2–L4) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength with the 1-RM method at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. The BMD of L2–L4 increased in the exercise group (P < 0.05), remained steady in the vibration group, and decreased in the control group (P < 0.05). Muscular strength of leg-extension and leg-curl exercise improved by 28% and 25.5% (P < 0.01) in the exercise group and by 13% (P < 0.01) and 20.5% (P < 0.001) in the vibration group, respectively. The results indicate that conventional training contributed to the increase in BMD of L2–L4, while the vibration programme helped to maintain BMD in post-menopausal women. Both training programmes were efficient in improving muscle strength.     

Effects of strength,explosive and plyometric training on energy cost of running in ultra-endurance athletes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week home-based strength, explosive and plyometric (SEP) training on the cost of running (Cr) in well-trained ultra-marathoners and to assess the main mechanical parameters affecting changes in Cr. Twenty-five male runners (38.2?±?7.1 years; body mass index: 23.0?±?1.1?kg·m^?2; V˙O₂max: 55.4?±?4.0 mlO₂·kg^?1·min^?1) were divided into an exercise (EG?=?13) and control group (CG?=?12). Before and after a 12-week SEP training, Cr, spring-mass model parameters at four speeds (8, 10, 12, 14?km·h^?1) were calculated and maximal muscle power (MMP) of the lower limbs was measured. In EG, Cr decreased significantly (p?<?.05) at all tested running speeds (?6.4?±?6.5% at 8?km·h^?1; ?3.5?±?5.3% at 10?km·h^?1; ?4.0?±?5.5% at 12?km·h^?1; ?3.2?±?4.5% at 14?km·h^?1), contact time (t_c) increased at 8, 10 and 12?km·h^?1 by mean +4.4?±?0.1% and t_a decreased by ?25.6?±?0.1% at 8?km·h^?1 (p?<?.05). Further, inverse relationships between changes in Cr and MMP at 10 (p?=?.013; r?=??0.67) and 12?km·h^?1 (p?<?.001; r?=??0.86) were shown. Conversely, no differences were detected in the CG in any of the studied parameters. Thus, 12-week SEP training programme lower the Cr in well-trained ultra-marathoners at submaximal speeds. Increased t_c and an inverse relationship between changes in Cr and changes in MMP could be in part explain the decreased Cr. Thus, adding at least three sessions per week of SEP exercises in the normal endurance-training programme may decrease the Cr.     

Effect of sand versus grass training surfaces during an 8-week pre-season conditioning programme in team sport athletes

Abstract

This study compared the use of sand and grass training surfaces throughout an 8-week conditioning programme in well-trained female team sport athletes (n = 24). Performance testing was conducted pre- and post-training and included measures of leg strength and balance, vertical jump, agility, 20 m speed, repeat speed (8 × 20 m every 20 s), as well as running economy and maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max). Heart rate (HR), training load (rating of perceived exertion (RPE) × duration), movement patterns and perceptual measures were monitored throughout each training session. Participants completed 2 × 1 h conditioning sessions per week on sand (SAND) or grass (GRASS) surfaces, incorporating interval training, sprint and agility drills, and small-sided games. Results showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) HR and training load in the SAND versus GRASS group throughout each week of training, plus some moderate effect sizes to suggest lower perceptual ratings of soreness and fatigue on SAND. Significantly greater (P < 0.05) improvements in VO_2max were measured for SAND compared to GRASS. These results suggest that substituting sand for grass training surfaces throughout an 8-week conditioning programme can significantly increase the relative exercise intensity and training load, subsequently leading to superior improvements in aerobic fitness.     

Hyperinsulinemia and overweight in obese Zucker rats effectively suppressed by exercise training with hypoxia recovery

Abstract

It is currently unknown whether hypoxia training can effectively suppress overweight and hyperinsulinemia in genetically obese animals. In this study, both lean and obese Zucker rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: control (CON, n=7), exercise training (EX, n=7), hypoxia (HYP, n=7) and exercise training with hypoxia recovery (EX+HYP, n=7). During a 6-week training period, rats performed swimming exercise progressively from 30 to 180 min·day^?1, and recovered under hypoxia (14% oxygen for 8 h·day^?1). Obese Zucker rats exhibited substantially greater fasting insulin levels, and exaggerated glucose and insulin responses following an oral glucose challenge compared with lean rats. At the beginning of week 6, body weight, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, area under curve of glucose (GAUC) and insulin (IAUC) in the EX+HYP group were significantly lower than CON group among the obese rats. Meanwhile, only GAUC was significantly lower in the EX group compared to the CON group. At the end of week 6, capillaries to fibre ratio (C/F), capillary density (CD) and type IIa fibre proportion of the plantaris muscle in the EX group were significantly greater than the CON group (P<0.05), but no additive effect of hypoxia on exercise training was observed. Our data demonstrate that exercise training with prolonged hypoxia recovery offers better metabolic benefits than exercise training alone for the obese Zucker rats. This advantage was closely associated with effective weight reduction.     

Temporal Aspects of the VO2 Response at the Power Output Associated with VO2peak in Well Trained Cyclists—Implications for Interval Training Prescription

Abstract

The power output achieved at peak oxygen consumption (VO ₂Peak) and the time this power can be maintained (i. e., Tmax) have been used in prescribing high-intensity interval training. In this context, the present study examined temporal aspects of the VO₂ response to exercise at the cycling power that output well trained cyclists achieve their VO ₂peak (i. e., Pmax). Following a progressive exercise test to determine VO ₂peak, 43 well trained male cyclists (M age = 25 years, SD = 6; M mass = 75 kg, SD = 7; M VO₂ peak = 64.8 ml-kg¹ min^?1, SD = 5.2) performed two Tmax tests 1 week apart. Values expressed for each participant are means and standard deviations of these two tests. Participants achieved a mean VO ₂peak during the Tmax test after 176 s (SD = 40; M = 74% of Tmax, SD = 12) and maintained it for 66 s (SD = 39; M = 26% of Tmax, SD = 12). Additionally, they obtained mean 95% of VO ₂peak after 147 s (SD = 31; M = 62% of Tmax, SD = 8) and maintained it for 95 s (SD = 38; M = 38 % of Tmax, SD = 8). These results suggest that 60–70 % of Tmax is an appropriate exercise duration for a population of well trained cyclists to attain VO ₂peak during exercise at Pmax. However, due to intraparticipant variability in the temporal aspects of the VO₂ response to exercise at Pmax, future research is needed to examine whether individual high-intensity interval training programs for well trained endurance athletes might best be prescribed according to an athlete's individual VO₂ response to exercise at Pmax.     

Effects of Two Instructional Approaches on Skill Development,Knowledge, and Game Performance

Two instructional approaches that have been of interest in promoting sport have been the Sport Education Model (SEM) and the Traditional Style (TS) of teaching physical education. The purpose of this study was to investigate how SEM and TS would affect skill development, knowledge, and game performance for volleyball at the secondary level. A 2 × 3 (group × time) research design was utilized on 47 secondary students testing volleyball skills, knowledge, and game performance. Participants were placed in either the SEM or the TS via stratified randomization, and then were tested pre, mid, and post intervention through the 20-lesson volleyball unit. The 2 × 3 repeated measures Analysis of Variances (ANOVAs) with Bonferroni correction revealed no significant difference between models for skills and knowledge, but there was for game performance for group [F(1, 45) = 10.27, p < .008, η² = .19], time [F(2, 90) = 8.62, p < .008, η² = .16], and group × time interaction [F(2, 90) = 8.43, p < .008, η² = .16]. If the goal of the physical education program is to promote quality game play, the SEM may be more effective than the TS.     

Hochintensives Intervalltraining im Sportunterricht

Background and aim

This study examined the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. low-intensity endurance training (LOW), applied during physical education on motor performance, mood and perceived exertion.

Methods

Over a period of 6 weeks, 85 pupils (34 male; 51 female; age: 11.9?±?0.9 years) performed 11 sessions of either HIIT (20?min, intervals from 10?s to 4?min at about 90–100% of average running speed of 6?min run [v_mean]) or LOW (30?min, intervals from 6–25?min at about 65–85% v_mean). Before and after the 6?week intervention each pupils’ anthropometry and motor performance (20?m sprint, standing long-jump, lateral jumping from side to side, push-ups, sit-ups, 6?min run) were assessed. Session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each session and mood was assessed by questionnaire following the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th session.

Results

RPE (p?<?0.05) was higher and mood more positive (p?<?0.05) with HIIT compared to LOW. Performances in the 6?min run (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.473), 20?m sprint (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.226), standing long-jump (p?<?0.05; part. η²?=?0.056), push-ups (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.523) and sit-ups (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.146) improved following HIIT and LOW with no significant time?×?group interaction (except for the sit-ups [p?<?0.05; part. η²?=?0.048]).

Conclusions

HIIT and LOW improved the performances in 6?min run, 20?m sprint, standing long-jump and push-ups similarly. However, the improvements in HIIT compared to LOW were achieved in 30% less time. As time is limited in physical education classes, HIIT offers a new perspective for improving endurance and motor performance in children. The positive mood associated with HIIT demonstrates the applicability in physical education.

     

Culture,individual differences,and situation: Influence on coping in French and Chinese table tennis players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of culture, individual differences (i.e. trait emotional intelligence), and given situations on coping behaviours. The trait emotional intelligence of table tennis players (French, n=58; Chinese, n=53) was evaluated using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, while their use of coping strategies [task-oriented coping (TOC) and disengagement-oriented coping (DOC)] was assessed according to three stressful situations. There was a main effect of culture (η² _p = 0.28, P<0.001 for TOC and η² _p = 0.25, P<0.001 for DOC), trait emotional intelligence (η² _p = 0.05, P<0.001 for TOC and η² _p = 0.04, P<0.001 for DOC), and situation (η² _p = 0.06, P<0.001 for DOC) on coping. From a theoretical and applied point of view, our results indicate the need to take account of these three to understand and provide appropriate support for coping.     

Exposing athletes to playing form activity: outcomes of a randomised control trial among community netball teams using a game-centred approach

This study evaluated whether exposing junior netball players to greater amounts of competition relevant activity (playing form activity) had an effect on game play outcomes and session involvement. A group-randomised controlled trial in one junior netball club in the Hunter Region, NSW, Australia. Ninety female athletes (mean age = 9.04 years, SD 1.53) were randomised by team (n = 11) into the intervention (n = 41) or 9-week wait-list control (n = 49) condition. The Professional Learning for Understanding Games Education into Sport (PLUNGE into Sport) programme was undertaken in the first half of nine training sessions (9 × 30 min). The intervention exposed athletes to playing form activity through a coach development programme within training sessions. Athletes’ decision-making, support and skill outcomes during a small-sided invasion game, and session involvement (pedometer step/min), were measured at baseline and 9-week follow-up. Linear mixed models revealed significant group-by-time intervention effects (P < 0.05) for decision-making (d = 0.4) and support (d = 0.5) during game play, and in-session activity (d = 1.2). An intervention exposing athletes to greater levels of playing form activity, delivered via a coach education programme, was efficacious in improving athlete decision-making and support skills in game play and increasing athlete involvement during sessions.     

Critical power derived from a 3-min all-out test predicts 16.1-km road time-trial performance

Abstract

It has been shown that the critical power (CP) in cycling estimated using a novel 3-min all-out protocol is reliable and closely matches the CP derived from conventional procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive validity of the all-out test CP estimate. We hypothesised that the all-out test CP would be significantly correlated with 16.1-km road time-trial (TT) performance and more strongly correlated with performance than the gas exchange threshold (GET), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and V?O₂ max. Ten club-level male cyclists (mean±SD: age 33.8±8.2 y, body mass 73.8±4.3 kg, V?O₂ max 60±4 ml·kg^?1·min^?1) performed a 10-mile road TT, a ramp incremental test to exhaustion, and two 3-min all-out tests, the first of which served as familiarisation. The 16.1-km TT performance (27.1±1.2 min) was significantly correlated with the CP (309±34 W; r=?0.83, P<0.01) and total work done during the all-out test (70.9±6.5 kJ; r=?0.86, P<0.01), the ramp incremental test peak power (433±30 W; r=?0.75, P<0.05) and the RCP (315±29 W; r=?0.68, P<0.05), but not with GET (151±32 W; r=?0.21) or the V?O₂ max (4.41±0.25 L·min^?1; r=?0.60). These data provide evidence for the predictive validity and practical performance relevance of the 3-min all-out test. The 3-min all-out test CP may represent a useful addition to the battery of tests employed by applied sport physiologists or coaches to track fitness and predict performance in atheletes.     

The Use of Contextual Interference Trials by Mildly Mentally Handicapped Children

The present study examined the predicted positive and linear relationship (Iwanaga, 1995a, 1995b) between exercise heart rate and music tempo preference. Initially, 128 undergraduate students (M age = 20.0 years, SD = 0.9) were surveyed to establish their three favorite music artists. A separate experimental group of 29 undergraduates (M age = 20.3 years, SD = 1.2) selected the music of a single artist from the three highest-rated artists from the earlier survey. They reported their preference for slow, medium, and fast tempo selections from each artist for three treadmill walking conditions at 40%, 60%, and 75% maximal heart rate reserve. A mixed-model 3 × 3 × 2 (Exercise Intensity × Music Tempo × Gender) analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results indicated there was no three-way interaction for music preference. There was, however, a significant (p < .05) two-way interaction for Exercise Intensity x Music Tempo (partial η² = .09) and a significant (p < .05) main effect for music tempo, with large differences evident between preference for medium versus slow tempo and fast versus slow tempo music at all exercise intensities (partial η² = .78). Participants reported a preference for both medium and fast tempo music at low and moderate exercise intensities and for fast tempo music at high intensity. Only partial support was found for the expected linear relationship between exercise intensity and music tempo preference.     

The effect of a supported exercise programme in patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of either a standard care programme (n = 9) or a 12-week supported exercise programme (n = 10) on glycaemic control, β-cell responsiveness, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. The standard care programme consisted of advice to exercise at moderate to high intensity for 30 min five times a week; the supported exercise programme consisted of three 60-min supported plus two unsupported exercise sessions per week. Between-group analyses demonstrated a difference for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol only (standard care programme 0.01 mmol · L(-1), supported exercise programme -0.6 mmol · L(-1); P = 0.04). Following the standard care programme, within-group analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in waist circumference, whereas following the supported exercise programme there were reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin (6.4 vs. 6.0%; P = 0.007), waist circumference (101.4 vs. 97.2 cm; P = 0.021), body mass (91.7 vs. 87.9 kg; P = 0.007), body mass index (30.0 vs. 28.7 kg · m(-2); P = 0.006), total cholesterol (5.3 vs. 4.6 mmol · L(-1); P = 0.046), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2 vs. 2.6 mmol · L(-1); P = 0.028), fasting β-cell responsiveness (11.5 × 10(-9) vs. 7.0 × 10(-9) pmol · kg(-1) · min(-1); P = 0.009), and insulin resistance (3.0 vs. 2.1; P = 0.049). The supported exercise programme improved glycaemic control through enhanced β-cell function associated with decreased insulin resistance and improved lipid profile. This research highlights the need for research into unsupported and supported exercise programmes to establish more comprehensive lifestyle advice for Type 2 diabetes patients.     

Analysis of the training load during a hypertrophy-type resistance training programme in men and women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty-four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m^?2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m^?2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8-week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender.     

Effect of carbohydrate ingestion during cycling exercise on affective valence and activation in recreational exercisers

Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion enhances “feel-good” responses during acute exercise but no study has examined the effect of regular ingestion of CHO on affective valence. We investigated the effect of CHO ingestion on perceptual responses and perceived work intensity of individual exercise sessions throughout a 10-week cycling (“spin”) exercise intervention. We also assessed whether any changes in affect and/or perceived work intensity would influence health and fitness parameters. Twelve recreational exercisers (46 ± 9 years; nine females and three males) were randomly allocated to either CHO (7.5% CHO; 5 mL · kg^?1 per exercise session; n = 6; CHO) or placebo (0% CHO, taste- and volume-matched solution; n = 6; PLA) groups. Participants exercised 2 × 45-min per week, over a 10-week intervention period. Perceptual measures of exertion (RPE), affect (feeling scale, FS) and activation (felt arousal scale, FAS) were assessed after each exercise session. The FAS ratings increased over time in CHO but decreased throughout the intervention in PLA (P = 0.03). There were no differences in heart rate (P = 0.70), RPE (P = 0.05) and FS (P = 0.84) between trials. Furthermore, no changes in health and fitness parameters were observed over time or between groups. CHO ingestion enhanced ratings of activation in recreational exercisers throughout a 10-week cycling intervention.     

‘Motivate’: the effect of a Football in the Community delivered weight loss programme on over 35-year old men and women’s cardiovascular risk factors

The purpose of this study was to examine whether an innovative, inclusive and integrated 12-week exercise, behaviour change and nutrition advice-based weight management programme could significantly improve the cardiovascular risk factors of overweight and obese men and women over the age of 35. One hundred and ninety-four men and 98 women (mean age?=?52.28?±?9.74 and 51.19?±?9.04) attending a community-based intervention delivered by Notts County Football in the Community over one year, took part in the study. Height (m), weight (kg), fitness (meters covered during a 6?min walk) and waist circumference (cm) were measured at weeks 1 and 12 as part of the intervention. Changes in body weight, waist circumference and fitness for men and women were measured by a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set to p?<?0.05.Weight, waist circumference and fitness significantly improved over time in both men (4.96?kg, 6.29?cm, 70.22?m; p?<?0.05) and women (4.26?kg, 5.90?cm, 35.29?m; p?<?0.05). The results demonstrated that the FITC lead weight loss intervention was successful in significantly improving cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women. In particular, the weight loss reductions achieved were comparable to those seen in similar, more costly men-only programmes. This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of such an intervention in an inclusive, mixed gender programme and more specifically, in women.     

Prediction of maximal oxygen uptake from a 20-m shuttle run as measured directly in runners and squash players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the multistage shuttle run test in predicting maximal oxygen uptake (VO ₂ max) in athletes trained in sports with different physical demands. Over a 14-day period, 10 male long-distance runners (continuous high-intensity exercise) and 10 male squash players (intermittent high-intensity exercise) performed, in random order, the multistage shuttle run test and a maximal treadmill protocol of increasing elevation which elicited VO ₂ max. Compared with direct measurement of VO ₂ max, the shuttle run test significantly underpredicted the VO ₂ max of the group of runners (n=10; P<0.01) and of the athletes as a whole (n=20; P<0.01). The correlation (r) between VO ₂ max determined by the shuttle run test and by the treadmill protocol was 0.61 (P<0.05) for the squash players, 0.71 (P<0.05) for the runners and 0.67 (P<0.01) for the athletes as a whole. As the subjects represented athletes trained specifically in sports with different physical demands, this may explain why the correlations between the shuttle run test and direct measurement of VO ₂ max are less robust than those reported in previous studies. Furthermore, our results indicate that there are sport-specific differences when predicting VO ₂ max from the multistage shuttle run test.     

The effects of weighted skates on ice-skating kinematics,kinetics and muscular activity

Sport-specific resistance training, through limb loading, can be a complimentary training method to traditional resistance training by loading the working muscles during all phases of a specific movement. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of skating with an additional load on the skate, using a skate weight prototype, on kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation during the acceleration phase while skating on a synthetic ice surface. 10 male hockey skaters accelerated from rest (standing erect with knees slightly bent) under four non-randomized load conditions: baseline 1 (no weight), light (0.9 kg per skate), heavy (1.8 kg per skate), and baseline 2 (no weight). Skating with additional weight caused athletes to skate slower (p < 0.001; η² = 0.551), and led to few changes in kinematics: hip sagittal range of motion (ROM) decreased (2.2°; p = 0.032; η² = 0.274), hip transverse ROM decreased (3.4°; p < 0.001; η² = 0.494), ankle sagittal ROM decreased (2.3°; p = 0.022; η² = 0.295), and knee sagittal ROM increased (7.8°; p < 0.001, η² = 0.761). Overall, weighted skates decreased skating velocity, but athletes maintained similar muscle activation profiles (magnitude and trends) with minor changes to their skating kinematics.     

Effects of high-intensity intermittent running exercise in overweight children

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a 6-week intermittent exercise training, at different intensities, on body composition, functional walking and aerobic endurance in overweight children. Forty-eight overweight children (age: 10.4 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. Lower and higher intensity intermittent exercise groups (LIIE and HIIE) performed intermittent running three times a week. LIIE performed more intervals at a lower intensity [16 intervals at 100% of individual maximal aerobic speed (MAS), 8 minutes in total], and HIIE performed fewer intervals at a higher intensity (12 intervals at 120% of MAS, 6 minutes in total). Each interval consisted of a 15-second run at the required speed, followed by a 15-second passive recovery. After 6 weeks, HIIE had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage reduction in sum of skinfolds (i.e. calf and triceps), and significantly (p < 0.05) fewer steps during the functional obstacle performance, as compared with LIIE and control group. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) was found in intermittent aerobic endurance for HIIE as compared to the control group. Higher intensity intermittent training is an effective and time-efficient intervention for improving body composition, functional walking and aerobic endurance in overweight children.     

Effects of different types of exercise on muscle mass,strength, function and well-being in elderly

Abstract

Poor muscle strength and physical function have been associated with higher risk of hospitalisation and lower well-being among the elderly. Physical training increases muscle strength, endurance and physical function as well as psychological outcomes. Exercise among older adults is often used to improve these variables, but few have compared the effects of different types of training in parallel independent groups. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of three different types of training on body composition, muscle strength, physical function and well-being in the elderly. A total of 118 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.3, s=4.6 years, 68% women) completed a 13-week randomised controlled exercise-trial involving four groups: traditional strength training (STG), functional strength training (FTG), endurance training (ETG) and control (CON). Stair climb with load improved more in FTG than CON (P<0.05), and the two strength groups performed better in the functional upper body test (P<0.05). STG increased strength more than CON in all exercises (P<0.001), while FTG increased strength more than CON in the chest press, shoulder press and knee extension (P<0.05). Lean body mass (LBM) increased in all training groups, which differed significantly from CON (P<0.05). ETG decreased their fat mass compared to CON (P<0.001). The only significant effect on well-being indices was improved life satisfaction in FTG at week 5 (P<0.05). We also observed significant correlations between change in some of the functional tests and change in positive affect.

All three types of training can enhance physical capacity. Functional strength training can be a cost effective form of training in terms of less demand for instructors and equipment and could be an effective way to improve physical function, strength and indices of well-being in the elderly.