Influence of Various Pre-Exercise Routines on Vertical Jump Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the influence of three different pre-exercise routines (jogging, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in addition to jogging (PNFJ), and whole body vibration (WBV)) on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Twelve physically active, collegiate males between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited to participate. The subjects performed four VJ tests on four nonconsecutive days with a control VJ being performed on the first day and the three remaining VJ performed after each of the pre-exercise routines that were conducted in random order. The jogging pre-exercise routine lasted 5 minutes at light to moderate intensity of 11-13 on a 6-20 RPE scale). The PNF pre-exercise routine consisted of 10 seconds of maximal isometric contraction of the hamstring muscles followed by relaxation and 10 second passive stretch. The WBV pre-exercise routine was performed on a vibration plate in a half squat isometric position for 30 seconds with a frequency of 50 Hz. For each VJ test, three counter movement jumps (CMJ) were performed. Each CMJ was performed at 15 seconds, 75 seconds, and 135 seconds following each of the pre-exercise routines. The highest CMJ jump was recorded as the VJ for that test. There were no significant differences in VJ performance following jogging, PNF, and WBV routine when compared to the control condition. There were also no significant differences between VJ following the jogging and WBV pre-exercise routines. However VJ performance was significantly higher following jogging (p \u3c 0.018) and WBV (p \u3c 0.042) pre-exercise routines compared to PNFJ

Influence of Various Pre-Exercise Routines on Vertical Jump Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the influence of three different pre-exercise routines (jogging, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in addition to jogging (PNFJ), and whole body vibration (WBV)) on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Twelve physically active, collegiate males between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited to participate. The subjects performed four VJ tests on four nonconsecutive days with a control VJ being performed on the first day and the three remaining VJ performed after each of the pre-exercise routines that were conducted in random order. The jogging pre-exercise routine lasted 5 minutes at light to moderate intensity of 11-13 on a 6-20 RPE scale). The PNF pre-exercise routine consisted of 10 seconds of maximal isometric contraction of the hamstring muscles followed by relaxation and 10 second passive stretch. The WBV pre-exercise routine was performed on a vibration plate in a half squat isometric position for 30 seconds with a frequency of 50 Hz. For each VJ test, three counter movement jumps (CMJ) were performed. Each CMJ was performed at 15 seconds, 75 seconds, and 135 seconds following each of the pre-exercise routines. The highest CMJ jump was recorded as the VJ for that test. There were no significant differences in VJ performance following jogging, PNF, and WBV routine when compared to the control condition. There were also no significant differences between VJ following the jogging and WBV pre-exercise routines. However VJ performance was significantly higher following jogging (p \u3c 0.018) and WBV (p \u3c 0.042) pre-exercise routines compared to PNFJ

The Role of Cortisol in Chronic Stress, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Psychological Disorders

Cortisol, a critical glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes. Its release is finely orchestrated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, governing the circadian rhythm and activating the intricate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a vital neuroendocrine system responsible for stress response and maintaining homeostasis. Disruptions in cortisol regulation due to chronic stress, disease, and aging have profound implications for multiple bodily systems. Animal models have been instrumental in elucidating these complex cortisol dynamics during stress, shedding light on the interplay between physiological, neuroendocrine, and immune factors in the stress response. These models have also revealed the impact of various stressors, including social hierarchies, highlighting the role of social factors in cortisol regulation. Moreover, chronic stress is closely linked to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, driven by excessive cortisol production and HPA axis dysregulation, along with neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. The relationship between cortisol dysregulation and major depressive disorder is complex, characterized by HPA axis hyperactivity and chronic inflammation. Lastly, chronic pain is associated with abnormal cortisol patterns that heighten pain sensitivity and susceptibility. Understanding these multifaceted mechanisms and their effects is essential, as they offer insights into potential interventions to mitigate the detrimental consequences of chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation in these conditions