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PURPOSE Despite immense research highlighting maternal-fetal benefits of exercise during pregnancy, there remain concerns that exercise may undermine placental function. Although maternal exercise has demonstrated favorable aerobic conditioning responses in the mother, it is not known whether maternal exercise promotes increased angiogenesis in the placenta, perhaps at the expense of impaired endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and/or oxidative stress. We investigated if a mild (30% heart rate reserve) and/or moderate (70% heart rate reserve) exercise regime in healthy pregnant women affected placental markers of angiogenesis, ER stress, and oxidative stress. We hypothesized that the improved aerobic conditioning of mothers who exercise is beneficial to enhance placental angiogenesis and normal maternal-fetal outcomes. METHODS Placental tissues were collected within 1 h of delivery from a convenience sample of 29 healthy mothers of full-term infants. Twenty-one women participated in routine exercise from midgestation (16-20 wk) until term of either mild or moderate intensity, whereas eight sedentary women served as controls. RESULTS No differences were identified between groups including gestational length, fetal-placental weight ratio, or APGAR scoring. All exercisers exhibited a significant 20-fold increase in the mRNA (as assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and a 10-fold increase in the protein expression of angiogenin (e.g., ANG1) in the placenta. However, in both exercising groups, no increases in placental markers (i.e., HIF1α, VEGF), ER stress (i.e., spliced XBP1, ATF4, ATF6, CHOP, and BAX), or oxidative stress (i.e., SOD1, SOD2) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study suggests that mild- and moderate-intensity exercise increases angiogenesis but does not increase placental oxidative or ER stress in healthy pregnancies, bolstering support for routine exercise as a part of standard care in pregnant women. Future studies are warranted to investigate the potential benefits of exercise on ANG1 in pathological pregnancies.

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a reliable method of assessing exercise intensity during isolated arm and leg cycling. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reproducibility of perceptually regulated exercise responses during combined arm + leg cycling. Twelve males (age; 24.6 ± 5.3 years, height; 1.81 ± 0.7 m, mass; 83.1 ± 8.4 kg) initially undertook incremental exercise tests to volitional exhaustion for arm cycling (133 ± 14 W) and leg cycling (253 ± 32 W). On three subsequent occasions, participants undertook combined arm + leg cycling trials using two modified Monark ergometers involving three bouts of exercise at RPE 9, 13 and 17, in that order. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake ( $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}}$$ ) and pulmonary ventilation ( $$\dot{V}_{{\text{E}}}$$ ) were recorded continuously. No significant differences were observed for HR (P = 0.086), $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}}$$ (P = 0.525) and $$\dot{V}_{{\text{E}}}$$ (P = 0.899) between trials, whilst significant differences were observed between each level of RPE (all P

This is the first of two chapters that detail our total knee arthroplasty (TKA) postoperative rehabilitation program, whose overall goal is to return patients to an active lifestyle without pain or complaints of knee joint stability to enhance their overall satisfaction and quality of life. The goals in the first 12 postoperative weeks are to resolve pain and swelling and restore adequate range of knee motion (ROM), gait, and balance. Our rehabilitation protocol is described in detail and includes the use of modalities and progression for ROM, weight-bearing, strength, balance, and aerobic conditioning. This program is effective in restoring sufficient muscle strength to allow pain-free activities of daily living as well as return to light work and low-impact aerobic activities such as walking, bicycling, and swimming. Chapter 7 provides additional rehabilitation recommendations for strengthening and aerobic conditioning for patients desiring to return to sports and other more strenuous physical activities, as well as our return to activity testing guidelines.

Maintenance of good levels of physical fitness is essential during occupational tasks for the general health of the military police. However, no studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in the physical fitness of Brazilian military police officers according to their specialties. Thus, the objective of the current study was to analyze the changes in the physical fitness of military police officers according to their specialty, over a period of five years. Retrospective data (2015–2019) from 290 police officers were analyzed, including age and physical fitness tests (12-min run test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups on the bar). The sample was divided into four groups (Specialized; Border; Urban; and Environmental). ANCOVA was used to describe differences in physical fitness components between groups of police officers after adjusting for age. Initial fitness was higher among police officers in the Specialized group (i.e., those with greater physical demands). During the five-year follow-up period, there was an age-related decrease in physical capacity for all groups, regardless of specialty. However, Urban police showed improvement in running and sit-up tests (p < 0.05) over time. Changes in physical capacity during follow-up differed depending on the physical component analyzed and the occupational specialty.

Chiarlitti, NA, Crozier, M, Insogna, JA, Reid, RER, and Delisle-Houde, P. Longitudinal physiological and fitness evaluations in elite ice hockey: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2963-2979, 2021-Ice hockey has greatly evolved since the last review article was published more than 25 years ago. Although players still combine anaerobic and aerobic conditioning, the pace of the game has greatly increased. Players are faster, stronger, and more agile than their predecessors; however, an important emphasis is now placed on maximizing player performance for the play-offs. For the coaching staff, strength and conditioning coaches, and players, an emphasis on mitigating fitness and physiologic losses throughout the season would be beneficial, given the intimate relationship they share with on-ice performance. This systematic review of the literature outlines the current knowledge concerning longitudinal changes in relation to fitness, body composition, and physiologic parameters across an elite hockey season. The search of 4 large scientific databases (i.e., Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) yielded 4,049 items, which, after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 23 published scientific articles to be included in this review. The wide span of literature (1956-2020) made inferences difficult giving the degree to which the game of ice hockey has changed; however, more recent research points to an aerobic deconditioning pattern and increased fatigue throughout the season in a specific group of elite hockey players (i.e., university athletes) while showing that ice hockey can lead to many possible histological adaptations. Ultimately, tracking, identifying, and developing methods to mitigate potential negative longitudinal changes will be imperative to influencing individual and team performance in the later parts of the season.

Introduction: Among the main challenges faced by coaches of team sports are to create an environment and conditions that will enable players to reach their optimal level of physical performance at the start of the competitive season, and to maintain this level throughout the season. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of six weeks of additional training with 3-against-3 (3v3) small-sided games (SSG) on the physical performance of elite nonstarter basketball players. Methods: Eleven professional basketball players (five starters and six nonstarters) performed the same training program throughout the regular season, with the only difference that after each game, the starters (S) performed low intensity shooting drills while the nonstarters (NS) performed half-court 3v3 SSG. At the start and end of the six-week period, the athletes were assessed for muscle power, speed, agility and aerobic power. Two-way analysis of variance and effect sizes were used. Magnitude-based inferential analyses were used to complement the parametric tests. Results: After the six weeks, the S and NS showed improvement (p

Background Acromegaly causes numerous functional limitations that negatively impact patients’ performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and contribute to the deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, the purpose of the present case study was to evaluate the effect of therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) for a patient with acromegaly. Case description We report the case of a 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with primary acromegaly 17 years ago. He complained of difficulties performing tasks that involved his hands, pain in the lower limbs, and fatigue when he climbed a few flights of stairs. Although he performed ADLs independently, he reported some difficulties or discomfort when performing them. Intervention and outcome The patient underwent a booklet-guided physical exercise program that lasted two months (three times per week, 60 minutes per session). The activities included overall stretching, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises, along with aerobic conditioning through functional circuit training. After two months of exercise, he reported improved HRQoL as assessed with the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire, with increases in quadriceps muscle strength and 6-min walking distance. However, none of these benefits remained when the patient was assessed after a 1-month washout period. Conclusion This study showed that patients with acromegaly may benefit markedly from TOHR, which could provide a novel therapeutic approach as an adjunct to hormone control therapy.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-05T04:10:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-12-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Few data exist on the physiological consequences of an incremental exercise test (IET) and training in dogs. Here we evaluated the effect of an endurance-training program (ETP) on the kinetics of the serum biomarkers: creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), myoglobin, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). Eighteen Beagle dogs were assigned to three groups: sedentary (S), untrained (U), and trained (T). The dogs from the groups T and U underwent IET, and their lactate threshold (LT) was determined. The LT and velocity corresponding to the LT (VLT) was determined by visual inspection. The VLT was utilized to determine the training intensity level. Thus, the dogs from group T underwent an eight-week aerobic conditioning program with the intensity training set to 70-80% of the VLT. Next, dogs from the groups T and U have submitted to IET again. The group S did not undergo IETs or training. The maximal velocity (Vmax) at which the dog achieves in the IET and heart rate were determined. For biomarkers, venous blood samples were collected before the experimental procedure (baseline) and before and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the IETs. VLT and Vmax increased in group T (P < .05), indicating an improvement in dogs' aerobic and anaerobic fitness. CK and AST rose (P < .05), peaking 6 h after both IETs and returning to baseline levels after 12-24 h. Levels of cTnI and myoglobin were unaltered. CK-MB peaked 1 h after the IETs and returned to baseline levels after 12 h (P < .05). We concluded that ETP improved the aerobic capacity of the dogs without any skeletal or cardiac muscle injury. Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Agr & Veterinarian Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Agr & Veterinarian Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2013/00449-8

Physical fitness is an important aspect of physical health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 11-weeks of formal strength and conditioning training conducted during fire academy training on the physical fitness characteristics of firefighter trainees. Archived physical fitness data for 23 male fire academy trainees (age: 27.6 ± 4.3 y; height: 178.5 ± 6.9 cm; body mass [BM]: 83.9 ± 1.8 kg; BM index [BMI]: 26.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were analyzed for this study. These data included vertical jump height, maximum pull-up repetitions, hand grip strength, lower-body strength (3RM Hexbar) and aerobic fitness. Trainees performed three sessions per week (two resistance training sessions and one aerobic conditioning session) in addition to fire academy training. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05) pre-post decreases in BM and BMI and significant increases in upper- and lower-body strength, and aerobic fitness. Strength and conditioning programs are beneficial for improving firefighter trainees’ physical fitness even when run concurrently with fire academy training and with limited space and equipment. This increased fitness may aid in mitigating known occupational injury risks to this population and improve task performance.

Background: Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SIJP) is a pain arising from SIJ structures such as anterior sacroiliac ligament, posterior sacroiliac ligament, interosseous ligaments or articular cartilage. The treatment of sacroiliac joint pain is quite challenging. The standard physical therapy (PT) interventions include repetitive exercises, manual joint mobilization, manipulation, bracing, massage, patient education, aerobic conditioning, general therapeutic exercise and electrotherapeutic modalities. Objectives: To compare the effect of mulligan mobilization versus conventional therapy on pain on VAS, Lumbar Range of motion and functional disability in patients with sacroiliac joint pain. Material and Method: A total 93 patients were screened as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Group A received mulligan mobilization and Ultrasound therapy and group B received Conventional therapy i.e Ultrasound therapy. Outcome measures assessed were VAS for pain, Lumbar flexion by modified schober’s test and MODQ for functional Disability. Result: Mean difference of Pain on VAS 4.41±1.04 in group A and in group B 3.63±1.27. Mean difference in Lumbar flexion ROM in group A it was 1.30 ± 0.67 and in group B it was 0.98 ±0.55 Mean difference in MODI Score in group A was 34.67 ± 10.84 and in group B it was 13.50 ± 6.45. Conclusion: In the present study, we found that both the techniques Mulligan mobilization and Conventional therapy are effective in the subjects with Sacroiliac joint pain but Mulligan mobilization was found to be more effective than conventional therapy.

BackgroundRapid triaging, as in the current COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on age and pre-existing medical conditions. In contrast, preoperative assessments use cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to categorise patients to higher and lower risk independent of diagnostic labels. Since CPET is not feasible in population-based settings, our aims included evaluation of a triage/screening tool for cardiorespiratory risk.MethodsCPET-derived anaerobic thresholds were evaluated retrospectively in 26 patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) who represent a challenging group to risk-categorise. Pulmonary AVM-induced hypoxaemia secondary to intrapulmonary right-to-left shunts, anaemia from underlying hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and metabolic equivalents derived from the 13-point Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) were evaluated as part of routine clinical care. Pre-planned analyses evaluated associations and modelling of the anaerobic threshold and patient-specific variables.ResultsIn the 26 patients (aged 21-77, median 57 years), anaerobic threshold ranged from 7.6-24.5 (median 12.35) ml.min-1kg-1 and placed more than half of the patients (15, 57.7%) in the >11 ml.min-1kg-1 category suggested as “lower-risk” for intra-abdominal surgeries. Neither age nor baseline SpO2 predicted anaerobic threshold, or lower/higher risk categories, either alone or in multivariate analyses, despite baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) ranging from 79 to 99 (median 92)%, haemoglobin from 108 to 183 (median 156)g.L-1. However, lower haemoglobin, and particularly, arterial oxygen content and oxygen pulse were associated with increased cardiorespiratory risk: Modelling a haemoglobin increase of 25g.L-1 placed a further 7/26 (26.9%) patients in a lower risk category. For patients completing the VSAQ, derived metabolic equivalents were strongly associated with anaerobic threshold enabling risk evaluations through a simple questionnaire.ConclusionsBaseline exercise tolerance may override age and diagnostic labels in triage settings. These data support approaches to risk reduction by aerobic conditioning and attention to anaemia. The VSAQ is suggested as a rapid screening tool for cardiorespiratory risk assessment to implement during triage/screening.Key MessagesWhat is already knownAlongside age, pre-existing medical conditions are perceived negatively during triage assessments, particularly if rare, and/or theoretically expected to influence cardiorespiratory risk;Anaesthetists use cardiopulmonary exercise testing to categorise patients to higher and lower risk independently to diagnostic labels, but this is not feasible in acute settings;Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are an exemplar of a condition where, due to expected or measured abnormalities (hypoxaemia-low PaO2 SpO2), poor physiological capacity might be predicted.What this study addsNeither age nor usual SpO2 predicted lower/higher risk categories by anaerobic threshold, but haemoglobin-dependent indices of oxygen delivery to the tissues were associated with higher risk, offering opportunities for improvement by attention to anaemia and aerobic conditioning;Baseline exercise tolerance may override age and diagnostic labels in triage settings: the 13-point VSAQ Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) is suggested as a rapid screening tool for cardiorespiratory risk assessment.

Objective To design Canadian guidelines advising obstetric care providers of the maternal, fetal, and neonatal implications of aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises in pregnancy. Outcomes Knowledge of the impact of exercise on maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity, and of the maternal measures of fitness. Evidence MEDLINE search from 1966 to 2002 for English language articles related to studies of maternal aerobic and strength conditioning in a previously sedentary population, maternal aerobic and strength conditioning in a previouslyactive population, impact of aerobic and strength conditioning on early and late pregnancy outcomes, and impact of aerobic and strength conditioning on neonatal outcomes, as well as for review articles and meta-analyses related to exercise in pregnancy. Values The evidence collected was reviewed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee) with representation from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and quantified using the evaluation of evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam. Recommendations 1.All women without contraindications should be encouraged to participate in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises as part of a healthy lifestyle during their pregnancy (II-1,2B). 2.Reasonable goals of aerobic conditioning in pregnancy should be to maintain a good fitness level throughout pregnancy without trying to reach peak fitness or train for an athletic competition (II-1,2C). 3.Women should choose activities that will minimize the risk of loss of balance and fetal trauma (III-C). 4.Women should be advised that adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes are not increased for exercising women (II-1,2B). 5.Initiation of pelvic floor exercises in the immediate post partum period may reduce the risk of future urinary incontinence (II-IC). 6.Women should be advised that moderate exercise during lac tation does not affect the quantity or composition of breast milk or impact infant growth (I-A). Validation This guideline has been approved by the SOGC Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee, the Executive and Council of SOGC, and the Board of Directors of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. Sponsors This guideline has been jointly sponsored by The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain, particularly spinal pain, is common among surgeons and other healthcare workers. Despite advances in intraoperative technologies allowing improved ergonomics, prolonged periods in suboptimal posture are commonly unavoidable. Spinal pain associated with poor posture can lead to diminished quality of life, chronic injuries, and shortened careers. Strategies to mitigate work-related, spinal pain for surgeons should be multi-faceted. One modifiable risk factor for musculoskeletal health is to involve exercise, such as rowing, that provides aerobic conditioning and core strengthening. Rowing can improve the endurance of core muscles (i.e., transversus abdominis, multifidi, scapular stabilizers) and extensor muscles of the spine, helping alleviate muscular fatigue in the operating room. Understanding proper rowing biomechanics is important for exercise safety and injury prevention.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:16:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:31:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0001-37652017000602749.pdf: 1125780 bytes, checksum: 0bf2528284f0ca40742afec84cbe102c (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Several studies present different methodologies and results about intensity exercise, and many of them are performed in male rats. However, the impact of different type, intensity, frequency and duration of exercise on female rats needs more investigation. From the analysis of blood lactate concentration during lactate minimum test (LacMin) in the swimming exercise, the anaerobic threshold (AT) was identified, which parameter is defined as the transition point between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. LacMin test is considered a good indicator of aerobic conditioning and has been used in prescription of training in different exercise modalities. However, there is no evidence of LacMin test in female rats. The objective was to determine AT in non-pregnant and pregnant Wistar rats. The LacMin test was performed and AT defined for mild exercise intensity was from a load equivalent to 1% of body weight (bw), moderate exercise as carrying 4% bw and severe intensity as carrying 7% bw. In pregnant rats, the AT was reached at a lower loading from 5.0% to 5.5% bw, while in non-pregnant the load was from 5.5% to 6.0% bw. Thus, this study was effective to identify exercise intensities in pregnant and non-pregnant rats using anaerobic threshold by LacMin test. Laboratório de Pesquisa Experimental de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/n Laboratório de Fisiologia de Sistemas e Toxicologia Reprodutiva Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso/UFMT, Av. Valdon Varjão, 6390 Laboratório de Pesquisa Experimental de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual Paulista/UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/n FAPESP: 2012/25168-9 CNPq: 475073/2013-4

To evaluate the effects of an exergame-based intervention on a population sample of women with fibromyalgia.Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 8-week intervention.Fibromyalgia center.Participants (all women) (N=83) were divided into 2 groups: an exercise group (n=42; mean age ± SD, 52.52±9.73y) and a nonexercise group (n=41; mean age ± SD, 52.47±8.75y).Women in the exercise group completed an 8-week exergame-based training program, which was focused on postural control and coordination of the upper and lower limbs, aerobic conditioning, strength, and mobility. Women (groups of 3) were encouraged to exercise for 120 minutes (over 2 sessions) per week.Main outcome measures included pain and disease effect, which were assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), a specific measure for fibromyalgia. Secondary outcome measure included quality of life, which was assessed with the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) generic instrument.The results showed that 97.62% of participants in the exercise group completed the 8-week intervention. The exercise group showed a significant improvement (P.05) in the EQ-5D-5L utility index, and in 3 of 5 dimensions. For the FIQ, significant improvements were observed in the dimensions of pain, stiffness, anxiety, and feel good. The FIQ score was also reduced. The mean between-group improvement was 8.25 (95% confidence interval, 2.85-13.65).The results and levels of compliance/adherence suggest this exergame-based training program is an effective intervention for reducing pain and increasing health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.

A previous study by our group showed that regular exercise training (ET) attenuated pulmonary injury in an experimental model of chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) in mice, but the time-course effects of the mechanisms involved in this protection remain poorly understood. We evaluated the temporal effects of regular ET in an experimental model of chronic CS exposure. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: Control (sedentary + air), Exercise (aerobic training + air), Smoke (sedentary + smoke), and Smoke + Exercise (aerobic training + smoke). Mice were exposed to CS and ET for 4, 8, or 12 wk. Exercise protected mice exposed to CS from emphysema and reductions in tissue damping and tissue elastance after 12 wk ( P < 0.01). The total number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage increased in the Smoke group, mainly due to the recruitment of macrophages after 4 wk, neutrophils and lymphocytes after 8 wk, and lymphocytes and macrophages after 12 wk ( P < 0.01). Exercise attenuated this increase in mice exposed to CS. The protection conferred by exercise was mainly observed after exercise adaptation. Exercise increased IL-6 and IL-10 in the quadriceps and lungs ( P < 0.05) after 12 wk. Total antioxidant capacity and SOD was increased and TNF-α and oxidants decreased in lungs of mice exposed to CS after 12 wk ( P < 0.05). The protective effects of exercise against lung injury induced by cigarette smoke exposure suggests that anti-inflammatory mediators and antioxidant enzymes play important roles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development mainly after the exercise adaptation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY These experiments investigated for the first time the temporal effects of regular moderate exercise training in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We demonstrate that aerobic conditioning had a protective effect in emphysema development induced by cigarette smoke exposure. This effect was most likely secondary to an effect of exercise on oxidant-antioxidant balance and anti-inflammatory mediators.

This study aimed to determine the subcutaneous fat layer thickness, percentage of body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass of Brazilian sport horses at different levels of training for and competing in eventing and the effects of a tropical climate in the body composition of athletic horses. The study included 17 Brazilian sport horses aged between 4 and 10 years. Group 1 included young horses aged from 4 to 6 years training for Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) one-star events, and group 2 comprised adult horses aged from 7 to 10 years in training for FEI two-star events. The training protocol comprised exercise for 5 days a week for 60 min, including flatwork, aerobic conditioning, and jumping, both track and natural obstacles. The equines were weighted, and rump fat layer was determined by measuring the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue at the region of the gluteus medius muscle using ultrasound. The ultrasound evaluation was performed at the end of the equestrian season, which lasted 9 months. An increase in the body weight, fat layer, percentage of body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass was observed in group 2 compared with the overall group and group 1, although the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Despite the important increase in the percentage of body fat between young and adult horses, 4.87±1.22% and 5.64±1.90% found in group 1 and 2, respectively, it did not differ statistically (p=0.3775). This fact may contribute to a decline in their performance because fat can be a key source of energy. Lower mean values of all parameters were observed in group 1 than in group 2. In conclusion, Brazilian sport horses training for and competing in eventing under tropical conditions have the body composition accustomed for this equestrian discipline. Brazilian sport horses training for and competing in eventing have high values of fat-free mass and low percentage of body fat and fat mass, demonstrating the athletic capability of these horses. There were no significant changes in the body condition of young and adult Brazilian sport horses. A hot, humid environment led to an increase of weight and body condition.

Objective The objective of this review was to identify current practices and relevant patient-reported and objective outcome measures with regard to rehabilitation protocols directed at the lumbar spine in perioperative procedure settings in order to inform clinical practice and future research. Methods A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and PubMed using terms relevant to surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and the lumbar spine. Results Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and 28 investigated postoperative forms of rehabilitation. Patient-reported outcomes typically used were pain and disability, although a wide range of objective measures based on physical capacities were often reported. Rehabilitation programs, for the most part, included some form of strengthening exercises alone or in combination with stabilization exercises, aerobic conditioning, stretching, or education. Despite most studies reporting statistically significant results between intervention groups, considering clinically significant improvement within intervention groups yielded a different portrait. Conclusions A wide range of objective and subjective outcomes is used to document changes after active rehabilitation. Program components include both active and assisted interventions combined with various means of education and discussion. Multimodal rehabilitation protocols after lumbar surgery may be used to improve patient-reported and objective outcome measures such as pain, disability, and physical function. Further research should be conducted on the effects of preoperative rehabilitation programs.

Global positioning systems (GPS) have recently been shown to reliably quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics of Polo, with the physiological demands of Polo play at low and high goal levels also investigated. This study aimed to describe the spatiotemporal demands of Polo across 0 – 24 goal levels. A player worn GPS unit was used to quantify distance, speed and high intensity activities performed. Data was divided into chukkas and five equine-based speed zones, grouped per cumulative player handicap and assessed using standardised mean differences. Average distance and speed per chukka increased in accordance with cumulative player handicap, with the magnitude of differences being Trivial – Large and Trivial – Very Large, respectively. Differences between time spent in speed zones 4 and 5 show a linear increase in magnitude, when comparing 0 goal Polo to all other levels of play (Small – Very Large; 6 – 24 goals, respectively). High intensity activities predominantly shared this trend, displaying Trivial – Large differences between levels. These findings highlight the increasingly demanding cardiovascular, anaerobic and speed-based needs of Polo ponies as playing level increases. Strategies such as high intensity interval training, maximal speed work and aerobic conditioning may be warranted to facilitate this development and improve pony welfare and performance.

This chapter introduces health professionals to the range of ways in which physical disciplines can be used as partial pathways to wholeness-for the healthy as well as for the ill, for health care professionals themselves as well as for their clients and patients. In describing some of the connections between physical disciplines and health, it looks at relationships between various physical activities and well-being, comment on cultural norms affecting prevalent attitudes toward exercise. The chapter highlights the scientific evidence that supports the link between varied disciplines and improved health status. It outlines strategies for transforming our individual and societal well-being through the promotion of physical disciplines by health professionals. While some exercise physiologists rank cross-country skiing as the optimal physical exercise because of the number of muscle groups involved and the oxygen demands required, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has shown that jogging, cycling, swimming, and skating are the prime modes for regular aerobic conditioning.

This chapter describes training techniques essential for return to competitive tennis after major knee injury or surgery. Exercises and drills designed to improve dynamic balance, agility, speed, strength, and aerobic conditioning are illustrated and described in detail. Field tests are described that measure lower extremity power and dynamic balance, upper body strength and power, speed and agility, abdominal strength and endurance, and aerobic fitness. Reference material for training elite national and international players is given, along with normative data regarding strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic fitness. The authors’ program, Sportsmetrics tennis, was found to be safe and effective in improving neuromuscular indices and athletic performance indicators in youth players and is recommended as end-stage rehabilitation after a knee injury or surgery before return to competitive play.

BACKGROUND: Despite regularly engaging in high-intensity grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes have a moderate maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of high-intensity aerobic interval training as an accessory to BJJ training for improvements in V̇O2max.METHODS: Twelve active male BJJ practitioners (age: 30.3±4.0 [SD] years; height: 183.0±5.3 cm; body mass: 82.7±8.3 kg; body fat: 11.9±3.8%) with 5.6±5.8 years of experience and a training volume of 9.9±4.6 hours·week-1 were randomly allocated to either a training group (TG) or control group (CG). The TG incorporated two high-intensity aerobic interval training sessions·week-1 comprising four 4-minute intervals at 85-95% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) separated by 3-minute active breaks at 70% of HRmax. RESULTS: After six weeks, the TG increased their V̇O2max by 8±3% (95% CI=3.84, 12.73; P=0.04; ES=0.64), from 52.7 to 56.8 mL·kg-1·min-1. This was accompanied by a 1±1% reduction in absolute body fat (95% CI=-0.13, -2.2; P=0.04; ES=0.64). No changes in V̇O2max (P=0.12) or body composition (P=0.34) were detected in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal compelling short-term effects of low-volume high-intensity aerobic interval training on V̇O2max and body composition in active BJJ athletes. There may be a ceiling effect in terms of developing V̇O2max in supine, intermittent grappling sports, making alternative approaches to aerobic conditioning particularly relevant for this athlete population.

This chapter describes training techniques essential for return to soccer and basketball after major knee injury or surgery. Exercises and drills designed to improve dynamic balance, agility, speed, strength, and aerobic conditioning are illustrated and described in detail. Field tests are described that measure lower extremity power and dynamic balance, upper body strength and power, speed and agility, abdominal strength and endurance, and aerobic fitness. Reference material for training elite players is given, along with normative data regarding strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic fitness. The authors’ programs, Sportsmetrics Soccer and Sportsmetrics Basketball, were found to be safe and effective in improving neuromuscular indices and athletic performance indicators in youth players and are recommended as end-stage rehabilitation after a knee injury or surgery before return to these activities.

Exercise can be used to treat depression but there is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal intensity and mode. Our aim was to compare the effects of different exercise intensities on post-treatment depression severity. People aged 18-67years with mild to moderate depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥10) participated in a single-blind, parallel randomized control trial lasting 12-weeks (Sweden 2011-2013). Four treatment arms were included: treatment as usual (TAU) (n=310), light exercise (yoga or similar n=106), moderate exercise (aerobic conditioning, n=105) and vigorous exercise (aerobic conditioning, n=99). Depression severity was measured at baseline and post-treatment using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Differences between the groups in depression severity at post-treatment were analysed using linear regression. Differences in exercise intensity were confirmed by heart rate monitoring. At post-treatment, the light (-4.05 Confidence Interval (CI)=-5.94, -2.17), moderate (-2.08 CI=-3.98, -0.18) and vigorous exercise groups (-3.13 CI=-5.07, -1.19) had reduced their MADRS scores significantly more than TAU. No significant differences were found between the exercise groups, and no significant interaction effect was observed between group and gender. In conclusion, exercise, whether performed at a low (yoga or similar), moderate or vigorous intensity (aerobic training) is effective in treating mild to moderate depression and is at least as effective as treatment as usual by a physician.

Background: A lack of research currently exists in relation to the current physical fitness testing system that is used within the Irish Naval Service, not only in relation to the tests that are used but also in relation to the scores that should be achieved in order to pass the test. As such the aim of this study was to select tests for various components of physical fitness and create a scoring system that could be used to assess individuals more comprehensively. Materials and methods: Seventy-five individuals took part in the study (71 males, 4 females). Each participant completed a battery of physical tests analysing the following physical fitness components: flexibility, power, agility, strength, speed, anaerobic conditioning and aerobic conditioning. The mean score ± 0.67 and ± 1 standard deviations were used for the selection of categories. Results: A six category scoring system was produced for each component of physical fitness. Scores were assigned to each category allowing a total cumulative score and an overall percentage of the total to be calculated. The categories are as follows: Score 5, Score 10, Score 15, Score 20, Score 25, Score 30. Conclusions: A quantitative scoring system has been produced that allows comprehensive physical fitness testing to be conducted. In order to achieve a complete picture of a participant’s physical fitness, all tests outlined should be included in the testing process. However, the flexible nature of this system allows for tests to be included or excluded to suit the needs of an individual or organisation. The fact that the scoring system is quantitative, the time involved is relatively short, multiple participants can be tested simultaneously and the pass rates can be decided upon by the host organisation makes this system versatile and comparable across multiple jurisdictions.

Load carriage is a necessary burden for tactical athletes. A combination of training modes, including aerobic conditioning and progressive load carriage, may lead to improved performance. The critical speed (CS) concept enables the practitioner to prescribe high-intensity interval training (HIIT) time limits (TLIMs) from a single 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT). We sought to examine the effect of a standard load carriage (18.86 kg) on CS and the finite running capacity > CS (D'). A group of trained subjects (age: 26 ± 5 years, height: 181 ± 4 cm, body mass [BM]: 90 ± 14 kg) completed a loaded and unloaded (UL) 3 MT. The CS was reduced by 0.66 ± 0.24 m·s (p < 0.01) in the loaded condition. There was a small nonsignificant increase in D' (21.25 ± 39.53 m, p = 0.07). The higher the % load carriage relative to BM is, the greater decline in CS (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). A revised CS with load carriage from the UL 3 MT may be calculated using: adjusted CS = original CS + ([-0.0638 × %load]) + 0.6982. Our results indicate that revised CS and TLIMs for fixed distance, fixed time, or fixed speed HIIT prescriptions may be derived from a UL 3 MT. Such calculations would enable more expeditious training for tactical athletes. We recommend further research involving implementation of HIIT using this new method.