A Comparison of Two Formulas of Topical Menthol on Vascular Responses and Perceived Intensity Prior to and following a Bout of Maximum Voluntary Muscular Contractions (MVMCs)

The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular responses in the brachial artery and perceived intensity of two different formulas of topical menthol gels prior to and following a bout of maximum voluntary muscular contractions (MVMCs). 18 adults completed the same protocol on different days using blinded topical menthol gels (Old Formula and New Formula). Heart rate, brachial artery blood flow (ml/min), vessel diameter and reported intensity of sensation were measured at baseline (T1), at 5 min after application of the gel to the upper arm (T2), and immediately following five MVMCs hand grips (T3). The New Formula exhibited a significant decline in blood flow (−22.6%) between T1 and T2 which was not different than the nonsignificant declines under the Old Formula 1 (−21.8%). Both formulas resulted in a significant increase in perceived intensity of sensation between T1 and T2. Blood flow increased significantly with the New Formula (488%) between T2 and T3 and nonsignificantly with the Old Formula (355%)

A Wealth of Beads: Evidence for Material Wealth-Based Inequality in the Salish Sea Region, 4000–3500 Cal B.P.

AbstractArchaeologists working in the Salish Sea (Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound) region of the Pacific Northwest have unearthed human burials and non-mortuary features dated to 4000–3500 cal B.P. containing tens and even hundreds of thousands of stone and shell disc beads. Several sites are reported here, including burials recently excavated from site DjRw–14 located in the territory of the shíshálh Nation. We argue that the disc beads constituted an important form of material wealth at this time, based on the amount of labor that would have been required to produce them and the capacity for beads to accrue in value after their production. A model of material wealth-based inequality is developed for a period much older than many archaeologists working in the region have previously thought.</jats:p

Triathlon training for women breast cancer survivors: feasibility and initial efficacy

Exercise can improve quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors. In contrast to many group or home-based exercise programs, little is known about the effectiveness of goal-oriented recreational activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a clinically overseen team triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial health-related measures in female breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Twenty-three participants (age = 48 (8), BMI = 25 (1), mean (SE)) were recruited from a 14-week sprint triathlon (800-m swim, 20-km bike, 5-km run) team training program for women breast cancer survivors (4 (3) years post-surgery, chemo-, or radiation-therapy). Training included two supervised group and three home-based individual sessions per week. Pre- and post-training outcomes included isokinetic knee extensor strength (60, 180, and 300° s(-1)), 6-min walk test (6MWT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy -Breast (FACT-B)), and barriers to exercise. Outcomes were also obtained 6 months post except for VO2 max. Significance was set at p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: Data are mean (SD) from 21 complete data sets. Knee extensor peak torque significantly improved only at 300° s(-1) (pre 40.3(8.5) ftlb; post 45.2(8.4); p = 0.001). 6MWT significantly improved (pre 632.8(62.1) m; post 657.4(53.2); p = 0.014) as did VO2 max (pre 31.3(5.8) ml kg(-1) min(-1); post 35.9(5.8); p \u3c 0.001). FACT-B also improved (pre 114(12); post 122(13); p = 0.004), including the FACT-G total score, social well-being, and breast cancer subscales while barriers to exercise decreased (pre 54(12); post 36(9); p \u3c 0.001). Strength, 6MWT, and barriers to exercise remained improved after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Team triathlon training in breast cancer survivors can increase aerobic capacity and improve QOL which may contribute to healthier lifestyles in breast cancer survivors

Psychosocial and physiological effects of triathlon training in breast cancer survivors

Exercise is known to improve quality of life and physical function in breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a unique goal-orientated triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial health outcomes on a diverse and overweight female breast cancer survivor patient population. METHODS: Twenty-nine female breast cancer survivors (age= 52(7) yr, BMI =29 (6)) having undergone systemic breast cancer treatment, participated in a 14 wk individualized triathlon training program. Training comprised two supervised group sessions and three home-based sessions per week. The program culminated with participation in a sprint triathlon (Athleta Iron Girl, 0.5 mi swim, 12 mi bike, 3.1 mi run). Pre- and post-training outcome measures included: quality of life (FACT-B), cancer related fatigue (FACIT-F), isokinetic peak knee extensor and flexor torque at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/sec, peak arm flexor and extensor torque at 60, and 120 degrees/sec), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and body composition (bioelectrical impedance). Focus groups were used post-training to assess common themes related to training participation. Analyses were by paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks (questionnaires). RESULTS: Data are mean (SD) from 23 subjects who completed pre and post intervention measurements. FACT-B improved (pre = 115 (14), post = 127 (8), p = 0.001) as did FACIT-F (pre = 41 (10), post = 48 (4), p CONCLUSIONS: Goal oriented triathlon training in breast cancer survivors can improve functional capacity, improve quality of life and lessen fatigue. Feeling like part of a team with a common goal may have facilitated successful participation. Thus, goal-oriented training could lead to better health in breast cancer survivors

“Surgery-chemotherapy-radiation, followed by a different kind of triathlon”: medically directed group exercise program is unique and effective among overweight and obese breast cancer survivors

Background: Structured exercise is a potential adjunct therapy following a cancer diagnosis associated with improvements in treatment-related side effects, including fatigue, deconditioning and quality of life. However, despite published exercise guidelines for cancer patients, breast cancer survivors struggle to initiate regular exercise into their lifestyles, particularly if already overweight or obese. Purpose: To determine if a medically recommended and supervised team triathlon training program focusing on self-efficacy, observational learning and reinforcements improved exercise capacity and quality of life for overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI]: 25-40) breast cancer survivors. Methods: A breast cancer surgeon and cancer rehabilitation physical therapist recruited 18 overweight to obese survivors [mean age: 52(7) years, mean BMI: 32(4)] who underwent local and systemic treatment to participate in a 14-week triathlon training program adjusted for common treatment- related side effects. Training consisted of 2 weekly group sessions supervised by medical and athletic coaches, and 3 days of prescribed activities that patients completed independently or with their peers. The program culminated in an organized sprint-distance triathlon. Quality of life (FACT-B), cancer-related fatigue (FACIT-F), and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were measured pre- and postintervention. Focus groups elucidated motivational factors. Results: 14 patients with complete datasets were compared pre- and postintervention. FACT-B improved [pre: 120(11), post: 128(6); P=0.01]. FACIT-F improved [pre: 42(8), post: 47(5); PConclusion: Medically directed group training of overweight and obese breast cancer survivors with the goal of completing a sprint-distance triathlon is a unique and effective model addressing motivation, endurance and quality of life after treatment

“Surgery-chemotherapy-radiation, followed by a different kind of triathlon”: medically directed group exercise program is unique and effective among overweight and obese breast cancer survivors

Background: Structured exercise is a potential adjunct therapy following a cancer diagnosis associated with improvements in treatment-related side effects, including fatigue, deconditioning and quality of life. However, despite published exercise guidelines for cancer patients, breast cancer survivors struggle to initiate regular exercise into their lifestyles, particularly if already overweight or obese. Purpose: To determine if a medically recommended and supervised team triathlon training program focusing on self-efficacy, observational learning and reinforcements improved exercise capacity and quality of life for overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI]: 25-40) breast cancer survivors. Methods: A breast cancer surgeon and cancer rehabilitation physical therapist recruited 18 overweight to obese survivors [mean age: 52(7) years, mean BMI: 32(4)] who underwent local and systemic treatment to participate in a 14-week triathlon training program adjusted for common treatment- related side effects. Training consisted of 2 weekly group sessions supervised by medical and athletic coaches, and 3 days of prescribed activities that patients completed independently or with their peers. The program culminated in an organized sprint-distance triathlon. Quality of life (FACT-B), cancer-related fatigue (FACIT-F), and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were measured pre- and postintervention. Focus groups elucidated motivational factors. Results: 14 patients with complete datasets were compared pre- and postintervention. FACT-B improved [pre: 120(11), post: 128(6); P=0.01]. FACIT-F improved [pre: 42(8), post: 47(5); PConclusion: Medically directed group training of overweight and obese breast cancer survivors with the goal of completing a sprint-distance triathlon is a unique and effective model addressing motivation, endurance and quality of life after treatment

Psychosocial and physiological effects of triathlon training in breast cancer survivors

Exercise is known to improve quality of life and physical function in breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: The overall objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a unique goal-orientated triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial health outcomes on a diverse and overweight female breast cancer survivor patient population. METHODS: Twenty-nine female breast cancer survivors (age= 52(7) yr, BMI =29 (6)) having undergone systemic breast cancer treatment, participated in a 14 wk individualized triathlon training program. Training comprised two supervised group sessions and three home-based sessions per week. The program culminated with participation in a sprint triathlon (Athleta Iron Girl, 0.5 mi swim, 12 mi bike, 3.1 mi run). Pre- and post-training outcome measures included: quality of life (FACT-B), cancer related fatigue (FACIT-F), isokinetic peak knee extensor and flexor torque at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/sec, peak arm flexor and extensor torque at 60, and 120 degrees/sec), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and body composition (bioelectrical impedance). Focus groups were used post-training to assess common themes related to training participation. Analyses were by paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks (questionnaires). RESULTS: Data are mean (SD) from 23 subjects who completed pre and post intervention measurements. FACT-B improved (pre = 115 (14), post = 127 (8), p = 0.001) as did FACIT-F (pre = 41 (10), post = 48 (4), p CONCLUSIONS: Goal oriented triathlon training in breast cancer survivors can improve functional capacity, improve quality of life and lessen fatigue. Feeling like part of a team with a common goal may have facilitated successful participation. Thus, goal-oriented training could lead to better health in breast cancer survivors