Effect of 8-week exerciseon improving the static and dynamic balance of supinated foot

Background: the supinated foot is one of the lower limb abnormalities that is associated with navicular drop and may be affected by leg muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week corrective exercises to improve static and dynamic balance of supinated foot.Materials and methods: The current research is a quasi-experimental study, in which twenty 18-25 male subjects that all suffer supinated leg were chosen purposefully into two groups (10) of experimental and control. Before the training program of supinated legs of navicular drop test subjects, static balance and dynamic balance was measured with a force platform. The experimental group carried out exercises program for 8 weeks with a frequency of three times a week on the area of weak muscles and stretched legs, and the control group were doing their usual activities. After 8 weeks of corrective exercises, static and dynamic balance and supinated leg were measured again. To analyze the data, independent t-test for changes between the group and dependent t-test for within-group changes were used.Findings: The results showed a significant increase in static balance (shifting the center of pressure, p = 0.011), dynamic balance (time to stabilization in the lateral direction, p = 0.008) as well as supinated leg (p = 0.00)between pre-test and post-test experimental group. However, no significant differences in dynamic balance in the anterior-posterior direction (p = 0.2) in the experimental group were observed. In the control group variables during the study period, no significant difference was observed.Conclusion: Using corrective exercises presented in this study, the static and dynamic balance level and navicular drop could be improved, and supinated foot deformity was corrected.Keywords: corrective exercises, static balance, dynamic balance, supinated foo

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Aerobic and Anaerobic Performances of Trained Male Taekwondo Athletes: A Pilot Study

Studies have shown that nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation improves endurance and high-intensity intermittent exercise. The dose–response effects on taekwondo following BJ supplementation are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate two acute doses of 400 mg of NO3− (BJ-400) and 800 mg of NO3− (BJ-800) on taekwondo-specific performance and cognitive function tests compared with a placebo (PL) and control (CON) conditions. Eight trained male taekwondo athletes (age: 20 ± 4 years, height: 180 ± 2 cm, body mass: 64.8 ± 4.0 kg) completed four experimental trials using a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design: BJ-400, BJ-800, PL, and CON. Participants consumed two doses of BJ-400 and BJ-800 or nitrate-depleted PL at 2.5 h prior to performing the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT). Countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed before the (FSKT) and PSTT, whereas cognitive function was assessed (via the Stroop test) before and after supplementation and 10 min following PSTT. Blood lactate was collected before the CMJ tests immediately and 3 min after the FSKT and PSST; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded during and after both specific taekwondo tests. No significant differences (p > 0.05), with moderate and large effect sizes, between conditions were observed for PSTT and FSKT performances. In addition, blood lactate, RPE, heart rate, and CMJ height were not significantly different among conditions (p > 0.05). However, after the PSTT test, cognitive function was higher in BJ-400 compared to other treatments (p 0.05). It was concluded that acute intake of 400 and 800 mg of NO3−rich BJ reported a moderate to large effect size in anaerobic and aerobic; however, no statistical differences were found in taekwondo-specific performance

The Effect of Resistance Training on Cardio Respiratory Factors in Men with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Physical activity is one of the main pillars of diabetes management. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of resistance training on anthropometric indices and cardio respiratory factors in men with type 2diabetes. Methods: In this semi- experimental study 20 men with type 2 diabetes with mean age 46&plusmn;3.4 years and fasting blood sugar 148.75&plusmn;31.5 mg/dl that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The participants were randomly assigned into the resistance training group (N=10) and control group (N=10). Resistance exercise training program was performed for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Anthropometric indices, VO2max, and Respiratory Volume (FVC and FEV1) were measured before and after the intervention. To analyze the measured parameter's changes used t-tests at P<0.05 significant levels. Results: After the 8 weeks, it was observed a significant decrease in Waist to Hip Ratio (P=0.021) and significant increase in VO2max (P=0.031) in resistance group. Also, there was a significant difference in Percent Body Fat (P=0.048) and Waist to Hip Ratio (P=0.021) between 2 groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm the positive influence of resistance training to anthropometric indices and VO2max in men with type 2 diabetes

Muscle carnosine concentration with the co-ingestion of carbohydrate with β-alanine in male rats

Muscle carnosine is an intracellular buffer. Intake of β-alanine combined with carbohydrate and protein enhanced carnosine loading in human muscle. The aim of the present study was to examine whether muscle carnosine loading was enhanced by β-alanine intake and co-ingestion of glucose in male rats. Thirty six male rats were divided into three groups and supplemented for 4 weeks: β-alanine (βA, 1.8% β-alanine in drinking water), β-alanine and glucose (βAGL, 1.8% β-alanine and 5% glucose in drinking water) and control (C, drinking water). During the supplementation period, rats were exercised (20 m·min-1, 10 min·day-1, 4 days·week-1 for 4 weeks). Muscle carnosine concentration was quantified in soleus (n=12) and rectus femoris (n=6) muscles using HPLC. In soleus muscle, carnosine concentration were 2.24±1.10, 6.12±1.08 and 6.93±2.56 mmol/kg dw for C, βA and βAGL. In rectus femoris, carnosine concentrations were 2.26±1.31, 7.90±1.66 and 8.59±2.33 mmol/kg dw for C, βA and βAGL, respectively. In each muscle, βA and βAGL resulted in similar carnosine increases compared to C. In conclusion, 4 weeks β-alanine intake, either alone or with glucose co-ingestion, equally increased muscle carnosine content. It appears that the potential insulin response to fluid glucose intake does not have an effect on muscle carnosine loading in male rats