Influence of physical activity in length of life of the human population in the context of changes

Since the middle of the last century, the human population has increased exponentially. This trend is evident today. Human population has, for more than half a century been undergoing the period of its intensive development, increasing in number and the average length of life, creating the impression of a better life standard. Looking at the man as a bio-psycho-social being and the interactions it ones through the human population growth is brought in connection with its impact on the environment. In such an environment, one does not only face infectious diseases, but also the misery and poverty in developing countries and massive noninfectious diseases, in developed countries. These facts introduce evidence about the possible effects of physical activity as to prevent the consequences of mass noninfectious diseases, as well as to strengthen the competence of people in general. Therefore, in a holistic, synergic concept of interpretation of human life, it is significant to include biological indicators that have an impact on the growth of the world population and may be associated with the kinesiology. Quantitative indicators of the trend of human development on this planet are the basic research unit observed in this paper. At the same time, the subjects of observation are also other indicators that can be causally linked to the development of the human population and are especially valuable evidence of the contribution of physical activity to the human development. The data that is associated with the theoretical considerations and the results of various statistics are presented based on the rules of ex-post-facto analysis. It is concluded that the value of physical activity has long had to have the equal status with one's chances of being better prepared for life on this planet ontogenetically and phylogenetically, and for the life conditions that will become even more extreme and that increasing older humans will face

Physical activity and bone turnover in women with osteopenia

Background/Aim. Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone mass and changes in the bone structure. An increased tendency of the bone tissue for fractures occurs as a consequence of these changes. The initial phase of physiological aging of the bones that gradually leads to osteoporosis is osteopenia. This paper tracks the effects of a specific kind of physical exercise program in women with osteopenia. The aim was to quantify the impact of this program on: the concentration of bone metabolism blood markers, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and physical dimensions. Methods. The sample consisted of 26 women in postmenopause (age 46–58) divided into two groups – experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 11). A combined program of exercise consisting of aerobic activities and strength training was applied in the experimental group, while the control group did not join in the exercise program. The program lasted for 7 weeks, three times a week with a break day between the trainings. The intensity of the aerobic training was in the span of 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR), and the intensity of the strength training was in the span of 60% to 85% of one repetitive maximum (1RM). Osteopenia was diagnosed prior to the experiment by applying a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and the hip. The following was measured before and after the experiment: the level of biochemical markers in the serum [Beta-aspartic acid β-cross laps (CTx), total procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (tP1NP) and bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 1RM of leg extensors, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), bodily height and mass, and a calculated Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. Significant changes were determined only in the experimental group. During the experimental period, there was a significant increase of muscle strength and VO2 max, with a decrease of Beta-CTx concentration. No statistically significant changes were recorded in the control group. Conclusion. A 7- week period of systematic exercise showed to be sufficient to increase muscle strength and VO2 max, partially also to decrease bone resorption, but insufficient to alter bone volume, bodily mass, and BMI