Hypoxic exposure at rest or during light to moderate-intensity exercise improved blood pressure and heart rate variability in cardiovascular risk individuals

This study evaluated the effects of 6 weeks of intermittent hypoxic at rest or plus exercise and long-lasting effects on blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) in cardiovascular risk individuals. Thirty combinations of several CVD risks participants: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity were randomly allocated into 3 groups: (a) the Control Group (CON, n = 11) received no intervention; (b) the intermittent hypoxic exposure during rest (IHR, n = 9), and the intermittent hypoxic training (IHT, n = 10) combined with walking on a motorized treadmill at a light to moderate-intensity. Both IHR and IHT performed 8 sessions of 3 minutes of hypoxic breathing alternated with 3 minutes of normoxic breathing for 6 weeks. All participants blood pressure and HRV were measured at baseline, at week 6 (POST1), and at week 10 (POST2). The IHR and IHT Groups showed significantly lower SBP (P < 0.05) compared to the CON Group, but not DBP and MAP after the IH training program. Compared to CON, the low-frequency band (VLF) and the low-frequency band and the high-frequency band (LF/HF ratio) showed a significant decrease only in IHT (P < 0.05) at POST1 and VLF remained significantly decreased at POST2. VLF in the IHT Group remained significantly lower than in the IHR Group at POST2. After the IH training program, IHT revealed a significant increase in HF (P < 0.05) compared to the CON Group. HF (n.u.) was a significantly stronger negative correlation with changes in SBP (P < 0.05). The IHT Group showed more effectiveness than the IHR Group. The study suggested this IH training program improved SBP and HRV at POST1. An increase in parasympathetic activity may have played an important role in the SBP reduction seen in this study

Effects of whole body vibration exercise combined with weighted vest in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background: To evaluate the training effects of whole body vibration (WBV) combined with weighted vest (WV) in older adults. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in healthy older adults living in the community. Fifty-one participants were randomly allocated into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 17), WBV alone, training on WBV at a frequency 30 Hz, amplitude 2 mm, 10 sets of 1 min squats, with 60 s rest, group 2 (n = 15), WV alone, squat exercise, 10 sets of 1 min, with 60 s rest, while WV loaded with 10% body weight and group 3 (n = 19), WBV + WV, combining WBV exercise with the addition of a WV. All groups completed training 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The outcomes were total muscle mass, muscle thickness, maximal isometric strength, single-leg-stance and timed-up-and-go evaluated at baseline and after training. Results: As a result of training all groups improved their isometric muscle strength with little difference between groups. The single-leg-stance significantly improved only in WBV + WV group 25.1 ± 10.8 s (mean ± 95% CI, p <  0.01). The timed-up-and-go improved in all groups, but the improvement was significantly greater in the WBV + WV group (17.5 ± 6.9%) compared to the WV (8.5 ± 3.2%) and WBV groups (9.2 ± 5.4%, p = 0.043, 0.023 respectively). Rectus femoris muscle thickness and total muscle mass were significantly increased in all groups equally with little difference between groups. Conclusion: The combined WBV + WV had a greater effect on the single-leg-stance and the timed-up-and-go compared to WV or WBV alone. Trial registration: TCTR20190306001. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (www.thaiclinicaltrials.org). Date of registration: 6 March 2019

Effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly: A randomized crossover study

Kyphosis produces abnormal posture and reduced body balance in the elderly. Elastic tape may be useful at improving kyphotic posture and body balance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly. Ten elderly participants with degenerative kyphotic posture were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (back taped with stretched elastic tape for 15 min and back taped with non-stretched elastic tape for 15 min). After a 1-h washout period, the groups were swapped over to receive the other intervention. The outcomes measured after each taping technique were Cobb’s angle measurement by inclinometer, perceived pain, and balance measurements by single leg stance test, time up and go test, center of gravity alignment (COG) and modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test (mCTSIB). There was a significant reduction in kyphotic angle and back pain in both the stretched and non-stretched taping groups (p < 0.05). We also found both taping techniques significantly reduced sway velocity on a foam surface with eyes closed and open (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between taping groups for kyphotic angle, pain reduction or balance. The application of 15 min of stretched and non-stretched elastic tape in the elderly reduced kyphotic angle, back pain, and sway velocity while standing on foam surface in the mCTSIB test. If these changes persist over the long term (days and weeks) taping may be a useful intervention for elderly patients with kyphosis

Differences in response to a low altitude football training camp supplemented with additional hypoxic training

Introduction: Living and training at altitude is a popular training method for athletes, however, there is considerable individual variation in subsequent sea-level performance improvement where some athletes adapt successfully, while others do not adapt and fail to improve. Since such training is expensive, time consuming, and normally requires considerable logistical planning, coaches and athletes do not want unsuccessful altitude training experiences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate possible physiological measures that might recognise athletes that respond positively to altitude training compared to those that do not. Methods: This longitudinal study included 20 male football players (20.6 ± 1.1 years, 173.9 ± 4.8 cm, 67.7 ± 8.3 kg, mean ± SD) who undertook an 8-week training camp at 825 m above sea-level (Khonsan, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand). Players were also supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training via a hypoxicator (Altitude Training Systems, Australia) 15 min/day 3 times/week at FIO2 of 0.15 while cycling at an exercise intensity between 100-120 W. Based on the players 2800-m running performances between baseline and 14 days post training camp, players were separated into responders (improved by 10.7 ± 8.1%, mean ± 95% CI, n=14) and non-responders (decreased by 6.1 ± 12.8%, n = 6). Changes in the 2800 m run performance along with other physiological variables (resting heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, haematology and blood lactate) from the 3 trials (baseline, 1, and 14 days post training camp) and stand-ard deviations representing the between-and within-subject variability were estimated using a mixed modelling procedure (Proc Mixed) in the Statistical Analysis System (Version 9.3, SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). The effect size statistic (ES) was also calculated. Results: Compared to baseline, the responders had a lower heart rate at 1 (-4.6 ± 2.7 bpm, Effect Size = 1.2) and 14 days (-6.7 ± 3.3 bpm, ES = 1.7) post training camp, whereas the non-responders resting heart rate did not change substantially. Compared to the non-responders, the responders had higher pNN50 at 1 (12.2 ± 11.5, p = 0.04, ES = 1.6) and 14 days (10.1 ± 11.7, p = 0.09, ES = 1.4) post training camp. As a result of the training camp, the responders decreased their LF/HF ratio at day 1 (-1.1 ± 0.6, p < 0.01, ES = 1.0) and day 14 post camp (-0.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.01, ES = 0.8), whereas the non-responders LF/HF ratio moved in the opposite direction (0.8 ± 0.9 and 0.9 ± 0.9), with large effect sizes found between groups (ES = 1.7-1.8). Between-group differences in other variables measured were not substantive. Conclusion: Reduced resting heart rate and increased cardiac parasympathetic tone was associated with improved run performance after the altitude training camp and may be used to differentiate athletes that respond to altitude training compared to those that do not

Light aerobic training combined with whole body vibration, or a weighted vest protects against bone loss in osteopenic or osteoporotic older females

Introduction: Older adults suffer from degenerative physiological changes including musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and sarcopenia. Several studies have reported that a reduction of muscle strength and muscle mass lead to a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) osteopenia and osteoporosis. Resistance exercise training is recommended as an effective way to stimulate bone osteogenesis in osteoporosis patients. Other forms of exercise that stress the osteogenic pathways may also prove useful in such patients including aerobic training with whole body vibration or aerobic training with weighted vests. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of light aerobic exercise supplemented with weighted vest or whole-body vibration on BMD and skeletal muscle mass in osteopenic or osteoporotic older females. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 31 osteopenia/osteoporosis females (T-score -2.15±0.9, mean ± SD) aged 60 to 79 years. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The control group (CON; n=10) received 40 minutes of light aerobic exercise 3 days per week for 8 weeks, whereas the weighted vest group (WV; n=11) completed the same aerobic exercise program wearing a vest filled with sand equivalent to 5% (first 2 weeks) then 10% (last 6 weeks) of their body weights. The whole-body vibration group (WBV; n=10) completed the same aerobic exercise programme supplemented with vibration exercise (30 Hz., 1 min x 8 sets) he BMD, muscle mass and percent body fat of participants were assessed before and after the 8 weeks training. Results: We found a significant decrease in BMD over the course of the study in the CON group (pre = 956 ± 58, post = 941 ± 57 mg/cm2, p0.05). Furthermore, compared to the pre-test, only par-ticipants in the WV (92.95 ± 36.80 m) and WBV (57.80 ± 41.18 m) groups substantial improved their aerobic performance in the 6-min walk test. Conclusion: The addition of a weighted vest or whole-body vibration training to light aerobic exercise may protect against bone mineral loss in older female participants. This may be a practical therapeutic exercise for osteopenic or osteoporotic individuals

Effects of low-load resistance training combined with blood flow restriction or hypoxia on muscle function and performance in netball athletes

Objectives To investigate the effect of blood flow restriction or normobaric hypoxic exposure combined with low-load resistant exercise (LRE), on muscular strength and endurance. Design A randomised controlled trial. Methods Well-trained netball players (n = 30) took part in a 5 weeks training of knee flexor and extensor muscles in which LRE (20% of one repetition maximum) was combined with (1) an occlusion pressure of approximately 230 mmHg around the upper thigh (KT, n = 10), (2) hypoxic air to generate blood oxyhaemoglobin levels of approximately 80% (HT, n = 10) or (3) with no additional stimulus (CT, n = 10). The training was of the same intensity and amount in all groups. One to five days before and after training, participants performed a series of strength and endurance tests of the lower limbs (3-s maximal voluntary contraction [MVC₃], area under 30-s force curve [MVC₃₀], number of repetitions at 20% 1RM [Reps201RM]). In addition, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps and hamstrings were measured. Results Relative to CT, KT and HT increased MVC₃ (11.0 ± 11.9% and 15.0 ± 13.1%), MVC₃₀ (10.2 ± 9.0% and 18.3 ± 17.4%) and Reps201RM (28.9 ± 23.7% and 23.3 ± 24.0%, mean ± 90% confidence interval) after training. CSA increased by 6.6 ± 4.5%, 6.1 ± 5.1% and 2.9 ± 2.7% in the KT, HT and CT groups respectively. Conclusions LRE in conjunction with KT or HT can provide substantial improvements in muscle strength and endurance and may be useful alternatives to traditional training practices

Effect of whole-body vibration therapy on performance recovery

Purpose: To compare whole-body vibration (WBV) with traditional recovery protocols after a high-intensity training bout. Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 16 athletes performed 6 × 30-s Wingate sprints before completing either an active recovery (10 min of cycling and stretching) or WBV for 10 min in a series of exercises on a vibration platform. Muscle hemodynamics (assessed via near-infrared spectroscopy) were measured before and during exercise and into the 10-min recovery period. Blood lactate concentration, vertical jump, quadriceps strength, flexibility, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), muscle soreness, and performance during a single 30-s Wingate test were assessed at baseline and 30 and 60 min postexercise. A subset of participants (n = 6) completed a 3rd identical trial (1 wk later) using a passive 10-min recovery period (sitting). Results: There were no clear effects between the recovery protocols for blood lactate concentration, quadriceps strength, jump height, flexibility, RPE, muscle soreness, or single Wingate performance across all measured recovery time points. However, the WBV recovery protocol substantially increased the tissue-oxygenation index compared with the active (11.2% ± 2.4% [mean ± 95% CI], effect size [ES] = 3.1, and -7.3% ± 4.1%, ES = -2.1 for the 10 min postexercise and postrecovery, respectively) and passive recovery conditions (4.1% ± 2.2%, ES = 1.3, 10 min postexercise only). Conclusion: Although WBV during recovery increased muscle oxygenation, it had little effect in improving subsequent performance compared with a normal active recovery

Effects of Zingiber cassumunar (Plai cream) in the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness

Objective To evaluate the effects of Zingiber cassumunar (Plai cream) in either 7% or 14% concentration on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods Seventy-five untrained healthy volunteers (28 males and 47 females), performed 4 sets of 25 eccentric repetitions of the dominant quadriceps muscle on an isokinetic dynamometry machine. Participants were then randomized into 3 groups: 14% Plai cream, 7% Plai cream and placebo cream. Two grams of the cream (strips of 5-cm long) were gently rubbed into the quadriceps muscles for 5 min immediately following the exercise and every 8 h thereafter for 7 d in all groups. Muscle soreness, muscle strength, jump height, thigh circumference and creatine kinase were measured before and after eccentric exercise. Results Compared to the placebo cream the 14% Plai cream substantially reduced muscle soreness over the 7 d by -82% (95% CI = -155% to -6%, P = 0.03), but had similar muscle soreness effects to 7% Plai cream (-34%, -96% to 27%, P = 0.2). Compared to the placebo cream the 7% Plai cream resulted in a small non-significant reduction in muscle soreness levels over the following 7 d (-40%, -116% to 36%, P = 0.3). Compared to placebo cream there was little effect of Plai cream (7% or 14%) on muscle strength, jump height, thigh circumference or creatine kinase concentration. Conclusion Using 14% Plai cream over a 7-day period substantially reduced muscle soreness symptoms compared to 7% Plai cream or a placebo cream. The authors suggest that the administration of 14% Plai cream is a useful alternative in the management of DOMS