Revisiting the importance of childhood activity

Formalised exercise programmes for children and adolescents are becoming increasingly important. There has been a drastic increase in documented childhood morbidity and mortality relating to poor nutrition and low activity levels in recent years. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic disease and is also a fundamental component in the management of illnesses. Recommendations for the paediatric population remain insufficient and ill-defined. This article revisits the risks of physical inactivity in childhood and provides the latest recommendations for exercise prescription in the paediatric population. Inactive children have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol and hypertension. Other undesirable consequences include orthopaedic problems, cardiovascular disease and various psychological complications. Both aerobic and resistance training should be incorporated into paediatric exercise programmes. The recommended guidelines for childhood activity are 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day of the week. This article highlights the importance of formalised paediatric exercise programmes in disease prevention and health promotion. A healthy and happy adolescent population ultimately contributes to an adult population with a low risk of ill health.http://www.safpj.co.zaam201

Cardiovascular and autonomic response induced by a 20-week military training programme in young healthy South African males

BACKGROUND. Studies investigating the relationship between exercise and haemodynamic regulation conducted in older caucasian and black African populations suggest that lifestyle modification is effective in the management of numerous disease processes. There are few longterm studies in young healthy populations and even less is known about the influence of habitual exercise on autonomic and haemodynamic variables in young black African subjects. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the benefit of prolonged exercise on cardiovascular and haemodynamic variables in young healthy black African males. METHODS. Fifty-five healthy male volunteers between 18 and 22 years of age participated in this prospective 20-week medium- to highintensity exercise intervention study with a self-control design. The Finometer Pro (Finapres Medical Systems, the Netherlands) was used for non-invasive data sampling of a number of cardiovascular and autonomic variables. Results were generated by computer algorithm and were analysed using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS. Significant (p<0.05) cardiovascular changes included an increase in aerobic capacity, stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction, and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. There was a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance and ascending aorta impedance. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and arterial compliance remained unchanged, while the decrease in blood pressure variability was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION. The measured changes suggest a favourable response to exercise and imply that habitual exercise may be an important lifestyle modification for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in young black African males.http://sajsm.org.za/index.php/sajsmam201

Evidence-based prescription for cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors in sports injuries

Healthcare professionals are increasingly under pressure to return athletes to play in the shortest possible time. There is limited choice in providing treatment that speeds up tissue repair, while simultaneously maintaining good quality of healing. Inflammation forms a fundamental part in the process of tissue repair. However, excessive inflammation may cause more pain, and limit functional restoration. Although the use of anti-inflammatory treatment in the form of a cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor (coxibs) has been widely recognised as being effective, the potential detrimental effect on tissue repair, as described mainly in animal model studies, needs to be taken into account. The side-effects profile on the gastrointestinal tract favour coxibs over non-traditional NSAIDs. The possible effects on the renal and cardiovascular systems also need to be considered. The prescription of coxibs should be pathology and situation specific. There are no clear guidelines on the correct time of administration and the duration of the course, but it seems that the literature is in agreement that they should be administered for a limited time at the lowest effective dose possible.http://medpharm.tandfonline.com/loi/ojfp20am201

Delayed onset muscle soreness : no pain, no gain? The truth behind this adage

The purpose of this article is to provide brief insight into delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a phenomenon that is often experienced by recreational and elite athletes. The negative implications of DOMS include pain, decreased motivation to continue training, and decreased performance. While performance issues may be more relevant to the elite athlete, pain and decreased motivation are particularly relevant to recreational athletes wishing to sustain a regular level of physical activity. The article is aimed at general practitioners (GPs) who may encounter athletes presenting with DOMS, and who will benefit from understanding the proposed mechanisms, signs and symptoms of the condition. Numerous researchers have hypothesised that certain interventions may prevent or minimise the symptoms thereof, and all GPs could benefit from understanding the available options for athletes, and the scientific evidence that supports these options.http://www.safpj.co.za/index.php/safpjhttp://medpharm.tandfonline.com/loi/ojfp20#.VgJFAVQaJHgam201

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis in a golf player

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition that deserves the attention of medical professionals and sport scientists. Early diagnosis is vital in minimising the secondary damage caused by rhabdomyolysis. This case of rhabdomyolysis highlights the severity of symptoms and the importance of decisive treatment. Clinicians should be familiar with the most common symptoms of acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis to enable early diagnosis and efficient management of this condition.http://www.journals.co.za/sama/m_sajsm.htmlam2013ay201

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis in a golf player

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life threatening, condition that deserves the attention of medical professionals and sport scientists. Early diagnosis is vital in minimising the secondary damage caused by rhabdomyolysis. This case of rhabdomyolysis highlights the severity of symptoms and the importance of decisive treatment. Clinicians should be familiar with the most common symptoms of acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis to enable early diagnosis and efficient management of this condition

Revisiting the importance of childhood activity

Formalised exercise programmes for children and adolescents are becoming increasingly important. There has been a drastic increase in documented childhood morbidity and mortality relating to poor nutrition and low activity levels in recent years. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic disease and is also a fundamental component in the management of illnesses. Recommendations for the paediatric population remain insufficient and ill-defined. This article revisits the risks of physical inactivity in childhood and provides the latest recommendations for exercise prescription in the paediatric population. Inactive children have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol and hypertension. Other undesirable consequences include orthopaedic problems, cardiovascular disease and various psychological complications. Both aerobic and resistance training should be incorporated into paediatric exercise programmes. The recommended guidelines for childhood activity are 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day of the week. This article highlights the importance of formalised paediatric exercise programmes in disease prevention and health promotion. A healthy and happy adolescent population ultimately contributes to an adult population with a low risk of ill health.http://www.safpj.co.zaam201