The effect of aerobic exercises of different intensities on anxiety, cigarette addiction, sleep quality, and quality of life in former smokers

Background There is a worldwide struggle to quit smoking and prevent relapsing. Aerobic exercises are frequently utilized to aid in smoking cessation and prevent relapse. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercises of different intensity on the level of anxiety, smoking addiction, and quality of sleep and life in former smokers. Methods The study included 60 people aged 18 to 45 who had quit smoking within the previous month. Individuals were randomly assigned to control (CON), mild-intensity aerobic activity (MIA), and moderate-intensity aerobic activity (MoIA) groups. The MIA group did submaximal aerobic exercises at 40% of maximum heart rate (MHR), while the MoIA group did them at 60% of MHR for 8 weeks/3 days. Participants' anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), smoking addiction was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and Substance Craving Scale (SCS), sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 Short Form Scale (SF-36). Results The SCS score of the MoIA group declined more than the MIA and CON groups, and the MIA group had a lower sleep disturbance score than other groups when the influence of exercise training was assessed over time (p 0.05). Conclusions The benefits of mild and moderate aerobic exercise on quality of life and anxiety are similar. However, mild-intensity aerobic exercises may be suitable for sleep difficulties while moderate-intensity aerobic exercises may be preferred for reducing smoking addiction

The relation of body mass index to muscular viscoelastic properties in normal and overweight individuals

Background: The body mass index (BMI) is closely related to fat tissue, which may have direct or indirect effects on muscle function. Previous studies have evaluated BMI and muscle viscoelastic properties in vivo in older people or individual sexes; however, the relationship between BMI and muscular viscoelastic properties is still unknown. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of BMI with muscular viscoelastic properties, and to compare these properties in a young sedentary population with normal and overweight individuals. Methods: A total of 172 healthy sedentary individuals (mean age, 26.00 ± 5.45 years) were categorized by sex (male and female) and BMI classification (normal (BMI, 18.50–24.99 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 25.00–29.99 kg/m2)). Body weight was evaluated using an electronic scale, while height was measured using a standard stadiometer. BMI was calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. The viscoelastic properties (tone, stiffness, and elasticity) of the biceps brachii (BB) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were measured bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at rest. Results: The bilateral BF tone and stiffness, right BB stiffness, and elasticity showed weak correlations with BMI in all participants. Furthermore, the bilateral BF tone and stiffness, right BB stiffness and elasticity, and left BB stiffness were weakly positively correlated with male sex. Only the right BB elasticity was weakly positively correlated with BMI in females (p 0.05). The overweight group showed increased bilateral BF stiffness and tone, right BB stiffness, and reduced bilateral BB elasticity compared to the normal-weight group (p 0.05). Greater bilateral BB tone, BF tone and stiffness, and lower BF elasticity were observed in males than in females (p 0.05). Conclusions: The BB and BF viscoelastic properties were weakly correlated with BMI. Males showed greater muscle tone and stiffness, and lower elasticity. The overweight individuals showed increased stiffness and tone, particularly in lower extremities, and reduced elasticity in upper extremities. The effect of BMI–sex interactions on the viscoelastic properties was not clear. Higher BMI (increased mechanical load) might cause the human body to develop different muscular viscoelastic adaptations in the extremities. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Assessment of the mechanical characteristics of the lower extremity muscles with myotonometric measurements in healthy individuals

Introduction. This study aimed to establish normative values for stiffness, tone, and elasticity of lower extremity muscles and to determine age and sex differences. Methods. overall, 389 participants (199 females, 190 males) were included. The mechanical properties of the tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis obliquus (VMo), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles were assessed bilaterally with the MyotonPRo device. The data were compared with respect to sex and age. Results. The mechanical properties were significantly higher bilaterally in males than females in all parameters (p < 0.05). Right TA stiffness and elasticity, GM tone and stiffness were higher than left in females (p < 0.05). Greater VMo elasticity and RF tone were found in left vs. right (p < 0.05). Right GL-VL stiffness and elasticity were greater than left in males (p < 0.05). VMo-RF tones were bigger in left compared with right (p < 0.05). Among age groups, right-left TA tone and stiffness were greater in group 1 (18-28 years old) (p < 0.05). Right-left VL-VMo tones, and left RF stiffness and tone were lower in group 2 (29-39 years old) (p < 0.05). Right GM-VMo stiffness, right-left TA-GL-GM-VMo and RF elasticity were greater in group 3 (40-50 years old) compared with others (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The mechanical properties of leg muscles were bilaterally higher in males. different characteristics were observed of different muscles for both sexes. GL-GM-VMo-RF elasticity decreased, and TA stiffness and VMo tone increased with advancing age in both legs. © University School of Physical Education in Wrocła

Evaluation of the tone and viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle in the supine position, and its relation to age and gender

Background. The masseter muscle can be evaluated in various ways to examine its condition in healthy individuals or to identify pathological changes in the muscle. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the tone and viscoelastic parameters of the masseter muscle, which is the focal muscle of various pathologies, to reveal its relationship with age and gender, and to determine the reference values of this muscle in healthy individuals. Material and methods. Individuals aged 18-50 years were evaluated. They were divided into 3 groups in terms of age. A total of 389 individuals participated in the study (18-28 years: 131 males, 104 females; 29-39 years: 29 males, 56 females; and 40-50 years: 30 males, 39 females). The tone and viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle were evaluated bilaterally in the supine position. Results. The mean age of all individuals was 28.64 +/- 9.68 years. The masseter muscle tone was found to be higher in men than in women. The elasticity of the muscle was higher in women (p < 0.05). It was determined that the masseter muscle tone and stiffness increased, whilst its elasticity decreased with aging (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the right and left masseter muscle tone and age (r = 0.307 and r = 0.325, respectively; p = 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between the right and left masseter muscle stiffness and age (r = 0.507 and r = 0.511, respectively; p = 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between the right and left masseter muscle elasticity and age (r = 0.614 and r = 0.645, respectively; p = 0.001). Conclusions. The data obtained in this study may assist clinicians in evaluating the treatment of the pathological conditions related to the masseter muscle as well as in the planning of treatment and pre- and post-operation evaluations

EFFECTIVENESS OF REFORMER PILATES EXERCISES ON SYMPTOMS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN WITH BLADDER AND BOWEL DYSFUNCTION

Objective. The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of reformer pilates exercises on symptoms and quality of life in children with bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD). Methods. Children diagnosed as having BBD by a physician and aged between 5-18 years were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: urotherapy group (control) and reformer pilates group (study). Written consent was obtained from both the children and the parents. Children in both groups received a standardized urotherapy. The study group also had 30 minutes of reformer pilates exercise sessions for 2 days a week. BBD symptoms were assessed using the Voiding Disorder Symptom Scoring (VDSS) and Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire (BBDQ). Quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PinQ). Assessments were performed before and 8 weeks after the reformer pilates exercises. Results. The study included 25 children (10 [40%] boys and 15 [60%] girls). Their median age was 9 years and their body mass index was 17.58 kg/m2. Of these 25 children, 16 were born by normal delivery, 9 of whom were delivered by cesarean section. None of the children used diapers during the day, but 10 of them continued to use diapers at night. The control (n = 16) and study (n = 9) groups were similar in terms of physical properties. The VDSS, BBDQ, and PinQ scores were significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). The decrease in BBDQ and VDSS scores were more prominent in the study group than in the control group. The clinical trial registration number of this study is NCT05779709 (ClinicalTrials.gov.) Conclusion. Reformer pilates exercises can provide additional benefits in the treatment of children with BBD as they were effective in reducing BDD symptoms and enhancing quality of life

Profesyonel Basketbol Oyuncularında Fonksiyonel Eğitimin Performansla Ilişkili Fiziksel Uygunluk Parametrelerine Etkisi

The purpose of this study was to determine whether functional training has effects on performance and related various physical components of basketball players. 28 elite basketball players were placed into this study. All the athletes were divided into two groups as 28 athletes with the mean age of 22.4 ± 4.2 years (Control Group) and 14 athletes, mean age of 26.6 ± 5.9 years (Training Group). Functional exercises were applied to training group for 20 weeks (2 days/week) with routine basketball training. Control group followed routine basketball training and strenght training. The both groups participants were tested prior to and after completing the 20-weeks. The testing battery included; Physical and antropometric measurements, Sit and reach flexibility test, 20 m Speed test, T-Drill and Lane-Agility tests, horizontal (Standing broad jump) and vertical jump tests, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) Bench press and Leg press strength tests. Results indicated significant increases in speed, 1-RM Bench press, 1-RM Leg press each group following training (p<0.05). Control group also elicited significant increases in chest girth and Lane-Agility while the functional training group was significantly (p<0.05) increased in flexibility, vertical jump, T-Drill agility time changes were the only parameters where there were significant (p<0.05) differences between groups. Collectively, these results suggest that both programs are equally beneficial for increasing speed, agility and maximal measures of strength. However, changes in muscular strength, vertical jump, agility and flexibility appear to be more successfully with functional training.Bu çalışma fonksiyonel eğitimin, profesyonel basketbol oyuncularının performanslarına ve ilişkili alt parametrelerine olan etkisini araştırmak amacıyla planlandı. Çalışmaya 28 elit basketbol oyuncusu dahil edildi. Sporcular; yaş ortalaması 22.4 ± 4.2 yıl olan 14 sporcu (Kontrol Grubu) ve yaş ortalaması 26.6 ± 5.9 yıl olan 14 sporcu (Eğitim Grubu) olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. Eğitim grubuna 20 hafta süresince rutin basketbol antrenmanı ile (2 gün/hafta) fonksiyonel egzersiz eğitimi verildi. Kontrol grubu ise rutin basketbol antrenmanı ile kuvvet çalışmalarını yaptı. Tüm değerlendirmeler 20 haftalık eğitim öncesi ve sonrasında her iki grup için de uygulandı. Test bataryası; Fiziksel özellikler ve antropometrik ölçümler, otur-uzan esneklik testi, 20 m sürat testi, T-Drill ve Lane-Agility çeviklik testleri, yatay sıçrama ve dikey sıçrama testleri, bir maksimum tekrar (1MT) Bench press ve Leg press kas kuvveti testlerini içerdi. Her iki grubun hız, 1MT Bench press ve Leg press kuvvetinde artış görüldü (p<0.05). Kontrol grubunda göğüs çevre ve Lane-Agility çevikliğinde artış olurken (p<0.05), eğitim grubu esneklikte, dikey sıçramada ve T-Drill çevikliğinde anlamlı gelişme gösterdi (p<0.05). Sonuçta basketbol oyuncularında her iki egzersiz yöntemi hızın, çevikliğin ve maksimal kuvvetin geliştirilmesinde benzer etkilere sahip olduğu bulundu. Bununla birlikte fonksiyonel eğitimin basketbol oyuncularında kassal kuvvet, dikey sıçrama, çeviklik ve esneklikte performanslarını daha iyi arttırabileceğini gösterdi

Age Related Changes of Superior Orbicularis Oris Muscle in Terms of Tone and Viscoelastic Properties

Objective: To examine the age-related changes in the viscoelastic properties and tone of the superior orbicularis oris muscle by a portablehand-held myotonometer. Methods: A total of 128 individuals (65 female, 63 male) who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Individuals were divided into 2 groups as under 40 years old (Group 1), and above (Group 2). The viscoelastic properties and muscle tone of orbicularis oris muscle were evaluated bilaterally in supine position with the Myoton PRO (Myoton AS, Estonia) device from the skin overlying the orbicularis oris. The reference point is accepted as the right and left paramedial philtrum dimple. The statistical analysis was performed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the elasticity values of the right and left orbicularis oris muscles of the Group 1 and Group 2 individuals. There was a difference between the groups when the tone and stiffness values of both groups were compared. It was determined that individuals over the age of 40 had higher muscle tone and stiffness. All mechanical properties of the superior orbicularis oris muscle between the male and female individuals in Group 1 were different. The values are higher in the female gender. The elasticity values in both genders in Group 2 were similar. Tone and stiffness parameters were different between genders. Conclusions: Myoton PRO can be recommended as an alternative device in the quantitative evaluations of post-operative follow-ups, and pre/post rehabilitation in terms of viscoelastic parameters of the muscle

Effects of shoulder retraction orthosis and posture exercises on kyphosis, cervical tilt, and scapular protraction in adolescent girls with kyphotic posture

Amaç: Bu çalışma, kifotik postüre sahip adölesan kızlarda postür egzersiz eğitimi ve omuz retraksiyon ortezinin kifoza, servikal tilte ve skapular protraksiyona olan etkisini araştırmak amacı ile yapıldı. Yöntem: Çalışmaya postüral kifozu olan 30 adölesan kız dahil edildi. Bireyler basit rastgele yöntem ile egzersiz (n=15, yaş ortalaması:13,73±0,46 yıl, VKİ: 20,61±1,98 kg/m2) ve ortez (n=15, yaş ortalaması: 13,73±0,46 yıl, VKİ: 20,19±1,72 kg/m2) grubuna ayrıldı. 8 hafta boyunca egzersiz grubuna (30-40 dk/gün/hafta) spinal ekstansörleri ve skapula kaslarını kuvvetlendirme, skapula stabilizasyonu, pektoral germe içeren postür egzersiz eğitimi verildi. Ortez grubu 8 hafta boyunca omuz retraksiyon ortezini (8 saat/gün/hafta) kullandı. Kifoz, esnek cetvel ölçüm yöntemiyle elde edilen kifoz indeksi ile değerlendirildi. Anterior servikal tilti değerlendirmek için tragus-duvar mesafesi, skapula protraksiyonu değerlendirmek için iki skapulanın inferior ucu arasındaki mesafe ölçüldü. Bulgular: Gruplar kendi içerisinde eğitim öncesi ve sonrası verileri karşılaştırıldığında kifoz indeksi, servikal tilt ve skapula protraksiyonunda iyileşme (p0,05). Sonuç: Postür egzersiz eğitimi ve omuz retraksiyon ortezi adölesan kızlarda postüral kifozun azaltılmasında etkilidir. Her iki yöntemin kombine kullanıldığı, uzun dönemli takiplerin yapıldığı randomize kontrollü çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of posture exercise training and shoulder retraction orthosis on kyphosis, cervical tilt and scapular protraction in adolescent girls with kyphotic posture. Methods: Thirty adolescent girls with postural kyphosis participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into exercise (n=15, mean age: 13.73±0.46 years, BMI: 20.61±1.98 kg/m2) and orthosis (n=15, mean age: 13.73±0.46 years, BMI: 20.19±1.72 kg/m2) groups. The exercise group performed posture exercise training (30-40 min/day/week) for 8 weeks that included spinal extensor and scapular strengthening, scapular stabilization, and stretching of the pectoralis muscles. The orthosis group used shoulder retraction orthosis (8 hours/day/week) for 8 weeks. Kyphosis was assessed with the kyphosis index obtained by the flex ruler measurement method. Anterior cervical tilt was evaluated with tragus wall distance, and shoulders protraction was assessed with the distance between the inferior of the two scapulae. Results: The pre and post-test comparison in the groups showed improvements in kyphosis index, cervical tilt and scapula protraction (p0.05). Conclusion: Exercise training and shoulder retraction orthosis are affective methods in reducing postural kyphosis in adolescent girls. There is a need for randomized controlled studies which both methods are used in combination and with long-term follow-up

Validity and Reliability of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Turkish Version for Athletes

The clinical assessment of sport-related lower extremity injuries plays important role in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies as well as return to activity. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a valid and reliable self-reported outcome instrument used to detect foot and ankle disorders. The purpose of this study is to translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate the FAAM questionnaire for use in Turkish-speaking athletes who have foot and ankle disorders. Fifty-one basketball, soccer and volleyball athletes volunteered to participate. Test-retest reliability analyses revealed good and excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.83-0.92). Concurrent validity was tested between the FAAM-T subscores and both the visual analog scale for pain/activity limitations and functional performance tests, yielding moderate to high correlations (r = -0.522 to -0.869, p < .05). The results of this study showed that the FAAM-T is a reliable and valid questionnaire for self-reported assessment of pain and disability in athletes suffering from foot and ankle disorders