Earticle

Running economy is considered a major determinant of distance run-ning performance. Enhancing the body’s ability for passive force gener-ation could have a positive effect on running economy by minimizing the energy cost required for the propulsion of the body. Thus, the pur-pose of this comprehensive review was to provide a list of modifiable factors that promote this ability. The interest was focused on lower-limb stiffness, as it is a factor of great influence and at the same time can be modified with training and specific biomechanical adjustments. Al-though it appears that no clear instructions can be provided to athletes and coaches, it should be noted that careful consideration of the run-ners’ anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical characteristics are necessary for optimal performance results.

Allergies are generally triggered by food, medication, physical exercise, stress, alcohol consumption, and dehydration. There are reports that indicate dehydration affects various kinds of physical allergies. Howev-er, there are few studies that have focused on the effects of dehydra-tion on asthma and allergy anaphylaxis. Therefore, we analyzed the ef-fects of dehydration on several kinds of allergy responses and exer-cise-induced asthma especially during the endurance exercise. PubMed was searched from April to July of 2019 using predefined search terms “dehydration,” “exercise,” and “allergy responses.” Based on the reference search, more than one-hundred articles were identified but eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were ana-lyzed for connections among exercise and dehydration, dehydration and exercise-induced asthma, and allergy responses in the main text. Results suggest that dehydration directly impairs stroke volume, cardi-ac output, and skin blood flow. This results in larger increases in core temperature, heart rate, and stroke volume. Additionally, exercise-in-duced dehydration reduces airway surface hydration, which results in an amplified brocnchoconstriction. This response to exercise occurs in those who suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Moreover, damage to the gut and impaired gut function relates to increased intestinal perme-ability after endurance exercise. Endurance exercise changes the im-munological profiles to activate antibody-mediated immunity. Also, nu-merous mast cells and eosinophils were recruited, therefore isotype switching to IgE antibodies occur, this hypersensitivity activates mast cell degranulation. After degranulation, proteases, leukotrienes, prosta-glandins, and histamine lead to many kinds of allergy symptoms.

Sildenafil citrate, a potent and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type-5, is used clinically to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary ar-terial hypertension. We investigated the effect of sildenafil citrate on brain central fatigue through serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesis after exhaustive swimming exercise in rats. The rats in the sildenafil citrate-treated groups received sildenafil citrate orally once a day for 14 consecutive days at respective dosage. On the 14 days after starting experiment, each animal was submitted to swimming test with intensity equivalent to overload. The exhaustion was defined as a state in which coordinated movements did not return to the water surface for breathing within 10 sec. Immunohistochemistry for 5-HT, tryptophan hy-droxylase (TPH), and western blot for serotonergic type 1A (5-HT1A) re-ceptor and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) were performed. Exhaustive swim-ming exercise increased 5-HT and TPH expressions in the dorsal raphe and sildenafil citrate suppressed 5-HT and TPH expressions in the ex-haustive swimming exercise rats. Exhaustive swimming exercise in-creased 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HTT expressions in the dorsal raphe and sildenafil citrate suppressed 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HTT expres-sions in the exhaustive swimming exercise rats. The significant sup-pressing effect appeared in the 20-mg/kg sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil ci-trate might be proposed as a potential ergogenic aid through anticentral fatigue.

The objectives of this study were to compare the differences in physical performance of elite male collegiate soccer players according to the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) total scores and to investigate the association between the FMS total score and physical performance. A total of 20 elite male collegiate soccer players (mean age, 19.6±0.7 years; height, 173.4±4.4 cm; body weight, 66.9±7.3 kg; and body mass index, 22.0±2.0 kg/m2) participated in the present study. The subjects were divided into two groups: the high FMS (FMS total score ≥14 points, n=10) and low FMS (FMS total score <14 points, n=10). All par-ticipants completed 10-m and 30-m sprint tests, the arrowhead agility test (right and left), and a coordination test. The statistical methods used to verify the study results were the independent sample t-test and Kendall’s Tau b correlation test. There were significant differences be-tween the high and low FMS groups in the 10-m (P=0.014) and 30-m sprint (P=0.002) and arrowhead agility tests (right, P=0.039). Converse-ly, there were no significant differences in the arrowhead agility (left) and coordination tests between the two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, the FMS total score was found to have significant negative correlations with the 10-m sprint (r=-0.444, P=0.017), 30-m sprint (r=-0.425, P=0.016), and arrowhead agility tests (right, r=-0.389, P=0.023). These results suggest that higher FMS total scores could have a positive effect on the physical performance of the players.

The purpose of this study was to compare performance-related physi-cal fitness factors and anaerobic power between national and backup players to enhance the performance of wheelchair badminton players and to discover and foster new athletes. This study included 12 wheel-chair badminton players divided into two groups: national players (n=7) and backup players (n=5). Collected data included cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle endurance, muscle strength, power, agility, and an-aerobic power. Results indicated that the national players achieved a significantly higher level of muscle endurance, peak power, and mean power than the backup players. Although none of the parameters showed statistically significant differences, the performance levels of the national players were higher than those of the backup players. Be-cause the physical fitness aspects of wheelchair players vary accord-ing to their ability and are essential factors, individualized training pro-grams for enhancing performance and preventing injuries among wheelchair badminton players should be developed.

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of gross motor function and health fitness assessment tests for children with developmental disabilities. All 35 participants who took part in this study on a voluntary basis were male children (age, 10.31±1.25 years). All selected tests for gross motor function and health fitness assess-ments were used in previous studies to measure basic physical health and motor abilities, which include strength (grip strength test), muscular endurance (modified sit-ups test), flexibility (sit and reach test), and car-diopulmonary endurance (15-m shuttle run test). Reliability was ana-lyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients in the pretest-posttest and Bland-Altman graphs study. Pearson correlation was used to ana-lyze convergent validity and analysis of variance was used to analyze variations among age groups. Lastly, a correlation analysis was con-ducted between the tests in gross motor function and health fitness as-sessments. This study indicates that gross motor function and health fitness assessments have obtained adequate reliability parameters and are able to determine differences in children from 9 to 12 years of age. The tests performed were simple to use, safe, and suitable for children with developmental disabilities.

The objective of the present study was to examine effects of resistance exercise for 12 weeks on adipokine factors and body composition in postmenopausal (POM) women to provide basic data for preventing obesity or metabolic syndrome caused by menopause. Subjects of this study were 35 premenopausal (PRM) and POM women with body fat percentages of 30% or more. They were divided into PRM (n=15) and POM (n=20) groups. All subjects participated in resistance exercise training for 12 weeks. All serum samples were submitted for en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of adipokine factors. Body weight, muscle mass, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ration showed significant differences between the two groups after training. In contrast, body fat percentage did not differ between the groups, al-though it was significantly lower in the PRM group after exercise. Phys-ical fitness was significant differences between the two groups after training, including grip strength (left and right), sit and reach, sit-ups, and standing long jump. In addition, grip strength (left), sit-up, and side step tests were significantly increased after exercise in the PRM group. There were the significant differences in interleukin-6 and leptin levels between the two groups after training. Interleukin-6, interleukin-15, and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in both groups after training compared to those before training, although leptin levels were signifi-cantly lower after exercise in the PRM group. Regular resistance exer-cise was found to be effective in decreasing body fat in PRM women, and decreased leptin and increased adiponectin were positively signifi-cant in both groups.

The center of mass of the body in patients with stroke was oriented to-ward the nonparetic side. Abnormal weight shift increases the risk of falls. Therefore, many therapists make an effort to help their functional recovery through balance training. Our aim was to investigate the effect of visual feedback intervention using a Fresnel prism on static and dy-namic balance in stroke patients without hemispatial neglect. Partici-pants were assigned to control group (n=10) and experimental group (n=9). In the control group, neurodevelopmental therapy was perfor-mance for 30 min. In the experimental group, Fresnel prism glasses were applied with neurodevelopmental therapy for 30 min. We execut-ed motor-free visual perception test for visual perception, balancia for static balance ability, and functional reach test and Berg balance test for dynamic balance ability, respectively. All tests were measured im-mediately after intervention. The visual perception function showed significant difference between unaffected side performance behaviors and visual perceptual processing time (P<0.05). In the static balance, there was a significant difference in sway velocity and sway distances (P<0.05). Dynamic balance was also significant different between groups (P<0.05). Visual feedback using Fresnel prism helps to control the static and dynamic balance ability by inducing weight shift toward the affected side in stroke patients. Therefore, a Fresnel prism may be suggested as an intervention tool to assist weight training for patients with stroke.

The purpose of this case study was to observe the effects of a rehabili-tation program with an audio-biofeedback technology device called Electroskip in a patient with Parkinson disease. The patient was a 61-year-old man with moderate Parkinson disease (Hoehn and Yahr Parkinson’s scale stage III) and dementia who had progressive epi-sodes of freezing of gait. The patient also had a history of recent falls. The patient completed a 6-week rehabilitation program focused on functional tasks, balance and gait training while using Electroskip tech-nology, which is a wireless, wearable device that sends a discrete re-al-time generative audio-biofeedback signal when the user steps on ei-ther the heel or toe force sensors positioned under the innersoles. The outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go test, the modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale, the modified Parkinson’s Activity Scale, and the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire. The patient completed 17 of the 18 scheduled training sessions and all testing sessions; no adverse events occurred during the rehabilitation program and high satisfaction levels were reported by the patient and family after completion of the 6-week rehabilitation program. Clinically significant improvements were seen in all measures at 6 weeks. The results of this report suggest that a rehabilitation program focused on functional tasks, balance, and gait training using the Electroskip technology may be beneficial for improv-ing gait and balance in a patient with moderate Parkinson disease. Fu-ture work is needed to determine the effectiveness of Electroskip tech-nology by means of randomized controlled trials.

The present study examined muscle activity in response to backward perturbation in patients with clinical vertebral compression fracture (CVCF). The subjects were 32 patients aged 65 years and above con-sisting of 16 each with (CVCF group) and without (control group) CVCF. The time to peak activity, and time of onset of muscle activity of the an-terior tibial, vastus medialis, and rectus abdominis muscles when unex-pected backward perturbation was applied were evaluated by surface electromyography. The strength of perturbation was 4% or 6% of the subject’s body weight. In addition, the presence of the stepping reaction to perturbation, severity of low back pain, and vertebral alignment were evaluated. Each item was compared between the two groups. In the CVCF group, kyphosis and severity of low back pain were significantly more severe, the time to peak activity of the anterior tibial muscle after the application of perturbation at 6% of the body weight was signifi-cantly shorter, and the time of onset of activity of the rectus abdominis muscle was significantly delayed. This suggests that the time to peak activity of the anterior tibial muscle is shortened and the time of onset of activity of the rectus abdominis muscle is delayed in unexpected backward perturbation in patients with CVCF.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified package of exercise therapy combined with relaxation on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) in office workers with chronic lower back pain. In this clinical trial, 72 office workers aged 20 to 50 years with chronic low back pain were randomized to one of four groups including; group 1, exercise therapy; group 2, psychotherapy (relaxation therapy); group 3, modified protocol (exercise therapy fol-lowed by relaxation therapy); group 4, control group (no intervention). Participants exercised 3 times weekly for 6 weeks for 40–45 min of ex-ercise/relaxation. Pain intensity, ROM, anxiety, and QoL were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Re-sults showed significant decreases in pain intensity and anxiety in the three experimental groups compared to the control group. The three in-tervention groups indicated a significant decrease in pain intensity and anxiety after 6 and 12 weeks. ROM significantly improved in the exer-cise therapy and the modified protocol over time (after 6 and 12 weeks). A significant difference in QoL was found between the groups, with the greatest improvement found in the psychotherapy and modified proto-col groups. This therapeutic package (including exercise movements and psychological interventions) was found to have a superior effect on pain intensity, ROM, anxiety, and QoL after 6 and 12 weeks compared to other interventions (only exercise and psychotherapy).

We aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-week intrinsic foot muscle ex-ercise program on the activation of intrinsic foot muscle movement and dynamic balance in adults with chronic ankle stability. A total of 30 adults with chronic ankle instability were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to a group performing intrinsic foot muscle ex-ercises and a control group doing no exercises. We measured the acti-vation rate and dynamic balance of the abductor hallucis, flexor digito-rum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and quadratus plantae before and af-ter the intervention. We found that the activation rate and dynamic bal-ance significantly increased in all intrinsic foot muscles in the experi-mental group. These results suggest that intrinsic foot muscle exercise for patients with chronic ankle stability is an effective treatment for im-proving the functions and balance ability of the intrinsic foot muscles.

Accountability, involvement, empowerment of the patients and families/caregiver, as well as the incentive for health behaviors based on physi-cal exercise and healthy living habits with the support of health profes-sionals, are fundamental in meeting the demands of the current society. The main objective of this report is to describe the process of develop-ing skills in rehabilitation nursing that was possible in the context of the final stage in which an intervention program in the area of cardiac re-habilitation was designed, implemented and evaluated. In this quantita-tive study with exploratory characteristics, it was used the collection of observable and quantifiable data, from patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting. During the study, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied—being verified the normal distribution—and Student t-test, which aimed at comparing outcomes at the beginning and end of the program. When 6-min walk test was applied, there was an optimi-zation of functional capacity (P=0.05), can be proved by the fact that all the patients had statistically significant improvements in the time-walk relationship. Furthermore, the quality of life in those who participated in the program was moderate in the preoperative period with 53.09%, and at the end a significant improvement was observed with 75.02%. Cardi-ac rehabilitation is fundamental in the patient submitted to coronary ar-tery bypass grafting, taking into account the educational, physical exer-cise, and quality of life dimensions. Given the prevalence of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, differentiated intervention in rehabilitation nursing becomes essential in the training of patients for self-care.

The main purpose of this study was to suggest a solution for inflamma-tion caused by urban daily life based on supercritical extraction of Cha-maecyparis obtusa Endl. (C. obtusa). The leaves, cone, wood, and bark of C. obtusa were separately extracted with supercritical extraction. Al-pha-pinene, anti-inflammatory active compound of C. obtusa, was ana-lyzed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, gas chromatogra-phy, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry from each part of ex-tracts. As a result of the reduction rate of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells, the wood extract exhibited the highest reduction rate was about 45% among extracts from four part of C. obtusa. The wood extract from C. obtusa can be developed as a good anti-inflammatory natural raw ma-terial for natural product industry.

The previous reviewed studies on inducement of fatigue through long-time walking were not only very confined, but also not cleared on rela-tionship among variables of fatigue inducement active force, decay rate, and power. This study analyzed relationship between power and component of ground reaction force after fatigue being induced through 16-km walking. The fatigue of adult males and females (n=16) was induced through 16-km walking. Then power, measured for pre and post of fatigue inducement, was evaluated by maximal vertical jump on ground reaction force plate. Variables of vertical jump heights, active force, power, and decay rate showed decreased tendency after fatigue inducement, which followed significant difference (P<0.05) and also positive correlation of r=0.628 (R 2=39%) of between vertical jump heights and power and r=0.589 (R 2=34%) of between active force and decay rate respectively. That is, long-time walking for pursuing of exer-cise rehabilitation, health promotion and leisure activity has been pre-ferred. In the view of this, this study suggested the necessity to under-stand the relation between fatigue and power to prevent a potential possibility of injury during long-time walking.