Different training programs for improving muscular performance in healthy inactive elderly

Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a general conditioning (callisthenic exercise) versus a machine based resistance-training protocol or an isokinetic exercise program would be similarly effective in improving knee extension muscular performance in healthy inactive elderly. Fifty two individuals, 26 men and 26 women, were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control group (C, n = 10), the isokinetic strengthening group (ISO, n = 12), the multi-joint resistance training group (RES, n = 15) and the calisthenic exercised group (CAL, n = 15). The training protocol for the ISO included concentric isokinetic extension and flexion of the knee, for the RES included leg extension, leg curls and leg press and for the CAL included aerobic exercise accompanied with music, general calisthenics and activities targeted to reaction time and agility improvement. The isokinetic concentric testing method applied prior to and at the end of the training period to assess peak muscle torque of the right knee extensors. MANOVA repeated measures (2 × 4, time by treatment) revealed that at 60 • /s angular velocity there was statistically significant improvement in performance for the RES group in comparison to control group. At 180 • /s angular velocity the results revealed, statistically significant improvement in performance for the RES and ISO group also. In conclusion, in older adults isokinetic exercise and resistance training results in larger increases in strength compared with callisthenic exercise

Oxidative stress responses in older men during endurance training and detraining

Purpose: Aging is Associated with increased oxidative stress, whereas Systematic exercise Training has been shown to improve Quality of life and Functional Performance of the aged. This Studies aimed to evaluate responses of selected markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in inactive older men during endurance training and detraining. Methods: Nineteen older men (65-78 yr) were randomly assigned into either a control (C, N = 8) or an endurance-training (ET, N = 11, three training sessions per week, 16 wk, walking/jogging at 50-80% of HRmax) group. Before, immediately posttraining, and after 4 months of detraining, subjects performed a progressive diagnostic treadmill test to exhaustion (GXT). Plasma samples, collected before and immediately post-GXT, were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX). Results: ET caused a 40% increase in running time and a 20% increase in maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) (P < 0.05). ET lowered MDA (9% at rest, P < 0.01; and 16% postexercise, P < 0.05) and 3-NT levels (20% postexercise, P < 0.05), whereas it increased TAC (6% at rest, P < 0.01; and 14% postexercise, P < 0.05) and GPX (12% postexercise, P < 0.05). However, detraining abolished these adaptations. Conclusions: ET may attenuate basal and exercise-induced lipid peroxidation and increase protection against oxidative stress by increasing TAC and GPX activity. However, training cessation may reverse these training-induced adaptations

Intense basketball-simulated exercise induces muscle damage in men with elevated anterior compartment pressure

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the levels of muscle soreness, muscle damage, and performance output in men with (S, n = 24) or without (A, n = 24) chronic compartment syndrome (CACS)-related symptoms after an intense 10-minute basketball-simulated exercise. Anterior compartment pressure (ICP), muscle soreness perception, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, myoglobin (Mb) concentration, leg strength, and knee joint range of motion (KJRM) were measured at rest, immediately after exercise, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-exercise (ICP was also measured at 5, 15, and 30 minutes post-exercise). ICP, muscle soreness, CK, LDH, and myoglobin increased (p < 0.05) immediately postexercise and during the next 4 days of recovery in both groups. However, S demonstrated a far more pronounced and prolonged (p < 0.05) response than A. Leg strength and KJRM declined (p < 0.05) in both groups, but S demonstrated a greater (p < 0.05) performance deterioration than A. The results of this study suggest that intense basketball-simulated exercise increases ICP, muscle soreness, and indices of muscle damage with a concomitant decrease of performance. Men with CACS-related symptoms and/or history appear more sensitive to muscle damage and soreness than asymptomatic men, probably due to a compromised blood flow to the muscle producing fluid shifts from vascular to interstitial space and further increasing compartment pressure and muscle cell disruption. Results of the present investigation provide evidence to support proper diagnosis, monitoring, care, and preventive measures for symptomatic individuals prior to participation in activities such as basketball

Seasonal Variation in the Incidence of Severe Preeclampsia in Mediterranean Climatic Conditions

The aim of the study was to evaluate possible involvement of environmental factors in the incidence of preeclampsia. A retrospective observational study on the seasonal variation of severe preeclampsia, derived from the intensive obstetric care unit files over a 48-month period, was undertaken. Obstetrics were studied and all deliveries and number of severe preeclamptic patients were recorded. The extracted data were then divided into four groups, based on the four main seasons of the year. The rates of severe preeclampsia, occurring in each season, were compared. Although there is a trend of higher incidence during summer, statistical difference was not significant (unpaired t -test: p=0.1250 for preeclampsia p=0.1250 for total deliveries, and paired t -test: p=0.0027 for severe preeclampsia p=0.0002 for total deliveries), perhaps due to the small numbers of the studied groups. In this study we found a prevalence of preeclampsia during summer when the weather is warmer than the other seasons. This finding may provide new possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia