Effect of Pilates and Taiji Quan Training on Self-Efficacy, Sleep Quality, Mood, and Physical Performance of College Students

Methods of exercise such as Pilates and taiji quan, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on physical and mental characteristics, have been studied more often in samples of older participants. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a semester of either Pilates or taiji quan training on perceived self efficacy, sleep quality and mood, as well as strength and balance in college-age individuals. Self-efficacy was found to be improved in the Pilates and taiji quan groups and there was a trend towards improvement in sleep quality. Mood was found to be improved significantly in the Pilates group while the taiji group showed a trend towards improvement. There were no changes or group differences in the strength or balance measures. Pilates and taiji quan are effective exercise modes to improve mental parameters in college-age individuals

Developing Mindfulness in College Students through Movement Based Courses: Effects on Self-Regulatory Self-Efficacy, Mood, Stress, and Sleep Quality

Objective—This study examined whether mindfulness increased through participation in movement based courses and whether changes in self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, and perceived stress mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and better sleep. Participants—166 college students enrolled in the 2007-2008 academic year in 15 week classes in Pilates, Taiji quan, or GYROKINESIS®. Methods—At beginning, middle, and end of the semester, participants completed measures of mindfulness, self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, perceived stress and sleep quality. Results—Total mindfulness scores and mindfulness subscales increased overall. Greater changes in mindfulness were directly related to better sleep quality at the end of the semester after adjusting for sleep disturbance at the beginning. Tired Mood, Negative Arousal, Relaxed Mood, and Perceived Stress mediated the effect of increased mindfulness on improved sleep. Conclusions—Movement based courses can increase mindfulness. Increased mindfulness accounts for changes in mood and perceived stress that explain, in part, improved sleep quality

Improving muscular endurance with the MVe Fitness ChairTM in breast cancer

Objectives To assess the feasibility and efficacy of delivering Pilates exercises for resistance training to breast cancer survivors using the MVe Fitness Chair™. Design Pilot randomized controlled trial. Methods Twenty-six female breast cancer survivors were randomized to use the MVe Fitness Chair™ (n = 8), traditional resistance training (n = 8), or a control group (no exercise) (CO) (n = 10). The MVe Fitness Chair™ and traditional resistance training groups completed 8 weeks of exercise. Muscular endurance was assessed pre and post-test for comparisons within and between groups using push ups, curl ups, and the Dynamic Muscular Endurance Test Battery for Cancer Patients of Various Ages. Results Feasibility of the MVe Fitness Chair™ was good, evidenced by over 80% adherence for both exercise groups and positive narrative feedback. Significant improvements in muscular endurance were observed in the MVe Fitness Chair™ (p \u3c 0.002) and traditional resistance training groups (p \u3c 0.001), but there were no differences in improvement between the MVe Fitness Chair™ and traditional resistance training groups (p \u3c 0.711) indicating that Pilates and traditional resistance training may be equally effective at improving muscular endurance in this population. Conclusions The MVe Fitness Chair™ is feasible for use in breast cancer survivors. It appears to promote similar improvements in muscular endurance when compared to traditional resistance training, but has several advantages over traditional resistance training, including cost, logistics, enjoyment, and ease of learning

Effect of Pilates Exercises on Cortisol Hormone and Blood Pressure Among Hypertensive Women

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and coronary artery disease as well as causes mortality. The Pilates method is a conditioning program in hypertensive patients of the body and mind that is gaining in popularity and acceptance worldwide. Aim of Study: To determine the response of cortisol hormone level and blood pressure after Pilates exercise in hypertensive post-menopausal women. Methods: Sixty women participated in this study was selected from Belbies Central employees and outpatient clinic with age mean ± SD values in groups (A) and (B) were 52.83 ± 3.89 and 53.37 ± 3.66 years., respectively. All of them suffering from high blood pressure stage 2(systolic 140 or higher and diastolic 90 or higher), they took medications (beta blockers - vasodilator – diuretics) and postmenopausal form 1-5 years ago. The study design was pre-post study. Patients were assigned for 8weeks protocol into two groups: Group (A) received Pilates training exercises (bent knee, shoulder bridge, side kick front, side kick back, and single leg circle), while Group (B) received only anti-hypertensive medications. Group (A) performed 5 types of Pilates exercises per session for /3 sessions/ week/ 8 weeks. The outcome measures were blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), cortisol level, anticoagulant factors (prothrombin time (PT), partial prothrombin time (PTT)) and physical characteristic (weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist hip ratio) were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the study. Results: Pre- and post-treatment comparisons showed a statistically significant decrease of the measured variables in the group A (cortisol level 17.73%, systolic blood pressure 3.70%, Diastole blood pressure 5.01 %, partial prothrombin time 7.38%, where weight 2.92 %, Body mass index 2.98 %) and significant increase in prothrombin time 0.67 %. In group B cortisol level 10.48%, significant decrease in diastole blood pressure 1.73%, no significant increase in (prothrombin time 0.25%, Partial prothrombin time 0.28%, weight 0.64%, BMI 0.34%, waist hip ration 0.11%) as well as no significant decrease in systolic blood pressure 0.75

THE INFLUENCE OF AGILITY INDICATORS ON FORMATION OF VOCATIONAL READINESS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

The experience of warfare in Ukraine proves the importance of increasing the degree of psychophysical readiness in law enforcement officers. The aim - to determine the significance of the main components of physical readiness of law enforcement officers for productive work performing. Material and methods: Servicemen (n=368) of the National Guard of Ukraine were interviewed. Spearman's rank correlation analysis of indicators` interrelation was carried out. The opinions of experts and beginners reliably differed on a number of indicators. Coordination of movements was significantly correlated with relatively the largest number of indicators of physical readiness, as well as psychological performance of servicemen. It has been established that agility is related to concentration, endurance, span and switching of attention. Conclusions: For the successful professional growth of the students of educational institutions of the National Guard of Ukraine, it is necessary to develop their agility, and especially coordination of movements. It is associated with improving the speed and strength of the officers of the National Guard of Ukraine, as well as attention and logical thinking.   

Pilates and String Musicians: An Exploration of the Issues Addressed by the Pilates Method, an Illustrated Guide to Adapted Exercises, and a Pilates Course for University String Players

abstract: String players have been identified as the most affected group of instrumentalists suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, and most of the problems are related to posture. The high prevalence of injuries among string players suggests that there is room in the music curriculum for a program tailored to this population and that can provide both immediate and long-term solutions. Pilates is a mind-body conditioning method of exercises and a philosophy that shares many similarities with string playing technique and performance, which suggests that its practice can be beneficial to improve not only the posture of string players but also various other areas. Studies about Pilates as a treatment show the varied areas in which Pilates can help, which are all of interest to instrumentalists. However, the application of Pilates into the music curriculum as a way to help string players improve awareness and reduce injuries has not yet been fully explored. This document addresses the similarities between Pilates and string playing, identifies postural tendencies of string players, and demonstrates how specific Pilates exercises can help counteract asymmetries, restore balance, and reduce the number of musculoskeletal injuries of string players. All anatomical drawings included in this document were adapted from other sources, as cited, or originally drawn by the author.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Music 201

Martial artsmindful exercise to combat stress

[EN] Stress can promote cardiovascular and metabolic responses that may favor the development of a number of diseases, especially when it is experienced chronically. Mindfulness (MF) practices are adaptations from eastern meditative techniques which are utilized in different psycho-social therapies for promotion of physical and mental health. The psychological construct of MF refers to a special form of attention to internal and external phenomena in the present moment, including openness to experience in a non-critical attitude (i.e. without judgments). Mindfulness-based practices and interventions are particularly effective in promoting health for clinical conditions involving chronic stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Similarly, regular exercise has multifarious benefits for health, especially activities that strongly integrate both psychological and physiological training. Such is the case for martial arts (MA), the whole of which could be classified as mindful movements. Given that MA requires expenditure of energy done with a high level of concentration, engagement in this form of exercise may provide an interesting and novel strategy for enhancing physical and mental benefits. The regular practice of MA could elevate MF levels of practitioners and thus influence positively on stress management and therefore quality of life and well-being[ES] El estrés genera respuestas cardiovasculares y metabólicas que pueden favorecer el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades, especialmente cuando es experimentado de forma crónica. Las prácticas de atención plena son adaptaciones de técnicas meditativas orientales que son utilizadas en diferentes terapias psicosociales para la promoción de la salud física y mental. El constructo psicológico de la atención plena se refiere a una forma especial de atención hacia fenómenos internos y externos en el momento presente, con una actitud no crítica hacia la experiencia (i.e. sin juicios). Las prácticas y las intervenciones basadas en la atención plena son particularmente efectivas en la promoción de la salud en condiciones clínicas que incluyen estrés crónico, ansiedad y síntomas depresivos. Del mismo modo, el ejercicio regular posee múltiples beneficios para la salud, especialmente aquellas actividades que integran sólidamente tanto el entrenamiento psicológico como el fisiológico. Este es el caso de las artes marciales que podrían ser caracterizadas como ejercicios con atención plena. Dado que las artes marciales requieren de un gasto energético, al mismo tiempo que altos niveles de concentración, podríamos considerar la adhesión a esta modalidad de ejercicio como una estrategia novedosa e interesante para el incremento de los beneficios físicos y mentales asociados. La práctica regular de artes marciales puede elevar los niveles de atención plena e influir así positivamente en el tratamiento del estrés y, por lo tanto, en el bienestar y la calidad de vida de sus practicantes

Wearing colored glasses can influence the exercise performance and testosterone concentration

Perception of red color is associated with higher testosterone concentration and better human performance. Thus, we evaluated the acute effects of wearing colored-lens glasses on the YoYo intermittent endurance exercise test 2 (YoYoIE2) performance indicators and testosterone concentration. Ten soccer players performed three YoYoIE2 (counterbalanced crossover) wearing colorless (control), blue- or red-lensed glasses (2–4 days of rest in between). YoYoIE2 performance did not differ among the trials (p>0.05), but blood testosterone increased post-exercise in red compared to red baseline (red=14%, effect size=0.75). Analysis showed faster heart rate recovery (p0.05) among the trials. Wearing red-colored lenses during high-intensity intermittent exercise increased testosterone concentration, but do not influence performance

A Comparison of the MVe Fitness Chair to Traditional Weight Training as the Resistance Portion of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program for Breast Cancer Survivors

Resistance training has a strong research record in alleviating treatment related symptoms in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional weight training (TWTG) to Pilates using the MVe Fitness Chair (MVeG) as the resistance portion of the Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program on selected functionality parameters. Sixteen female breast cancer survivors were randomized into either the MVeG or TWTG group and completed 8 weeks of training. Functionality measures were taken pretest and posttest for comparisons between groups. Significant improvement in overall muscular endurance (OME) was observed in the MVeG from pretest to posttest (p = 0.002), however no significant difference between groups was observed for OME, balance, fatigue, or quality of life. The results suggest that for an 8 week training program, the MVeG appears to promote similar changes in functionality when compared to TWTG.Master of Art

Educação em neurociência da dor e exposição gradual em utentes com dor lombar crónica idiopática em saúde ocupacional

Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) has a high prevalence and economic impact, and psychosocial factors are believed to play an important role on its long-term maintenance. Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) and graded exposure are cognitive-behavioral intervention approaches while Pilates, a very popular modality, focuses more on a biomedical model to explain the presence and persistence of pain. Objective: The main objective is to compare the effectiveness of PNE and graded exposure against Pilates and postural education on disability in paper industry workers with CLBP. The secondary aim is to compare both interventions for pain intensity, catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, sleep, endurance of back extensor muscles, knowledge of pain neuroscience and patients’ perceived impression of change. Methods: A total of 26 workers were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups: PNE and graded exposure or Pilates and postural education. Both groups received 1 session per week for 8 weeks. Results: Both interventions had a positive and similar impact on disability (p<0,001), pain intensity, fear-avoidance at work, and on the Sleep Index II (p<0,05), at post-intervention. However, PNE and graded exposure were superior to Pilates and postural education for catastrophizing, fear-avoidance of physical activity, the Biering-Sørensen and knowledge of pain neuroscience (p<0,05). Post-intervention improvements were maintained at 3 months follow-up (p<0,05). In the PNE group, 72,7% participants at post-intervention and 62,5% at 3 months-follow-up perceived themselves as moderately to a great deal better: contrasting to 33,3% and 38,5% in the Pilates group. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that PNE and graded exposure for CLBP is superior to Pilates and postural education in an occupational context for catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs and patients’ perceived impression of change.Enquadramento: A Dor Lombar Crónica (DLC) tem uma elevada prevalência e impacto económico, e acredita-se que os fatores psicossociais desempenhem um papel importante na sua manutenção a longo prazo. A Educação em Neurociência da Dor (END) e a exposição gradual são abordagens cognitivo-comportamentais, enquanto que o Pilates, uma modalidade de exercício comumente utilizada, foca-se essencialmente num modelo biomédico para explicar a presença e persistência da dor. Objetivo: O principal objetivo é o de comparar a eficácia da END e exposição gradual contra o Pilates e educação postural na incapacidade de trabalhadores de uma fábrica de papel com DLC. O objetivo secundário é o de comparar as duas intervenções na intensidade da dor, catastrofização, crenças de medo-evitamento, sono, resistência dos músculos extensores da lombar, conhecimento em neurofisiologia da dor e perceção de mudança. Métodos: Um total de 26 participantes foi randomizado de forma aleatória num dos dois grupos de intervenção: END e exposição gradual ou Pilates e educação postural. Os dois grupos receberam 1 sessão por semana durante 8 semanas. Resultados: As duas intervenções apresentaram um impacto semelhante e positivo na incapacidade (p<0,001), intensidade da dor, crenças de medo-evitamento no trabalho, e no Índice do Sono II (p<0,05), no pós-intervenção. Contudo, o grupo de END e exposição gradual foi superior ao de Pilates e educação postural na catastrofização, medo-evitamento na atividade física, teste de Biering-Sørensen e conhecimento em neurofisiologia da dor (p<0,05). As melhorias no pós-intervenção mantiveram-se ao fim de 3 meses (p<0,05). No grupo de END, 72,7% dos participantes no pós-intervenção e 62,5% no acompanhamento dos 3 meses tiveram uma perceção de melhoria de moderadamente melhor a muito melhor, em contraste com 33,3% e 38,5% no grupo de Pilates. Conclusão: Este estudo fornece evidência preliminar que a END e exposição gradual em pessoas com DLC é superior ao Pilates e educação postural num contexto de saúde ocupacional na catastrofização, crenças de medo-evitamento e na perceção de mudança.Mestrado em Fisioterapi