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Physical Exercise (physical + exercise)
Kinds of Physical Exercise Selected AbstractsEFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF SEX HORMONES IN ELDERLY WOMEN WITH DEMENTIAJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 6 2005Masahiro Akishita MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Physical Exercise in Chinese Older Adults: A Transtheoretical Model,JOURNAL OF APPLIED BIOBEHAVIORAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Kee-Lee Chou Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This study identifies significant correlates of exercise behavior among Hong Kong Chinese older adults under the transtheoretical model. The data came from a survey of a representative community sample of 425 elderly respondents in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that perceived benefits of exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were related significantly to exercise behavior, and their effects on exercise were mediated completely through the stages of changes in exercise. Although perceived barriers to exercise are significantly and negatively associated with exercise behavior, this relationship disappeared in multiple regression analysis after controlling demographic and several health-related variables. Findings suggest that perceived benefits and self-efficacy on exercise should be strengthened to motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle. [source] Intervention Effects on Cognitive Antecedents of Physical Exercise: A 1-Year Follow-Up StudyAPPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, Issue 2 2009Wiebke Göhner We developed and evaluated a theory-based intervention programme (MoVo-LISA) that encompasses motivational and volitional strategies aiming to prepare orthopaedic rehabilitation patients to perform physical exercise on a regular basis after discharge. The intervention consists of six units: two group sessions, one one-to-one interview, and three after-care contacts. Two hundred and twenty inactive patients were subsequently assigned to an intervention group (standard care plus MoVo-LISA) and a control group (standard care). Participants filled out questionnaires assessing cognitive antecedents of physical exercise. Measurement took place before and after rehabilitation, 6 weeks and 6 months after discharge, and 1 year after discharge. A 2 × 5 repeated measurement design was applied. Results revealed significant main and interaction effects with regard to cognitive variables; the intervention group reported enhanced self-efficacy and more positive balance of outcome expectations at 6 months as well as stronger goal intentions, more elaborated implementation intentions, and optimised strategies of intention shielding at 12 months after discharge compared to patients of the control group. Our findings demonstrate that a short and inexpensive cognitive-behavioural training programme is an effective tool to enable rehabilitation patients to follow treatment recommendations after discharge. The standardised intervention can be conducted by personnel other than psychologists. [source] The effects of physical exercise on depressive symptoms among the aged: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2006Noora Sjösten Abstract Objective To determine the effects of physical exercise on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. Method A literature search covering various medical databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT's) about the effects of exercise treatments on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. The studies were classified according to the baseline depression status of participants and assessed in relation to allocation concealment, blinding at outcome assessment, follow-up and whether intention to treat analysis was used. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were accepted. Results Exercise was effective in treating depression among those suffering from minor or major depression and in reducing depressive symptoms among those with a high amount of depressive symptoms at baseline. However, both the allocation concealment and the blinding method were adequately described in only four studies. Furthermore, intention-to-treat analysis was conducted in half of the studies and some follow-up information after the intervention has been published for five studies. Conclusions Physical exercise may be efficient in reducing clinical depression and depressive symptoms in the short-term among the aged suffering from depression or a high amount of depressive symptoms. More well controlled studies are needed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Highlights of Papers in Clinical Investigations Section: Vascular Risk and Cognitive Impairment in an Older, British, African-Caribbean PopulationJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2001R Steward In this study, 278 adults age 55 to 75 who were born in a Caribbean nation were interviewed and examined for cardiovascular risk factors and their association with cognitive impairment. Marked differences were found between groups with low and normal/high levels of education in the strength of associations between measures of vascular risk and cognitive impairment. However, physical activity was negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Physical exercise may be an important public health strategy in reducing the burden of cognitive impairment. [source] Physical Exercise in Chinese Older Adults: A Transtheoretical Model,JOURNAL OF APPLIED BIOBEHAVIORAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Kee-Lee Chou Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This study identifies significant correlates of exercise behavior among Hong Kong Chinese older adults under the transtheoretical model. The data came from a survey of a representative community sample of 425 elderly respondents in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that perceived benefits of exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were related significantly to exercise behavior, and their effects on exercise were mediated completely through the stages of changes in exercise. Although perceived barriers to exercise are significantly and negatively associated with exercise behavior, this relationship disappeared in multiple regression analysis after controlling demographic and several health-related variables. Findings suggest that perceived benefits and self-efficacy on exercise should be strengthened to motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle. [source] Meeting the Challenge to Improve the Treatment of Hypertension in BlacksJOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 6 2003Antonio Alberto Lopes MD Hypertension is more prevalent and severe in African descendent populations living outside Africa than in any other population. Given this greater burden of hypertension in blacks, it is increasingly necessary to refine strategies to prevent the disorder as well as improve its treatment and control. This review assesses results from clinical trials on lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions to identify which approaches most effectively prevent adverse hypertension-related outcomes in African descendent populations. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study provided evidence that a carefully controlled diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, and reduced in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol (i.e., the DASH diet) reduces blood pressure in blacks and is well accepted. The combination of the DASH diet with reduction in dietary sodium below 100 mmol/d may provide a reduction in blood pressure beyond that reached by the DASH diet alone. Physical exercise and interventions to reduce psychological stress may also reduce blood pressure in blacks. Strong evidence from numerous studies is a compelling argument for continuing to recommend diuretics and , blockers as first-line antihypertensive therapy for persons of all races. Some new studies also favor angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as first-line antihypertensive drugs. The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension provided evidence that an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-based treatment program is more beneficial than calcium channel blockers and , blockers in reducing the progression of renal failure in blacks with hypertensive nephropathy. Studies in patients with diabetes have also shown evidence that both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists are more effective than other classes of antihypertensives in reducing adverse renal events. Studies to evaluate the effects of the new antihypertensives in improving outcomes in blacks living outside the United States are needed. [source] ApoB but not LDL-cholesterol is reduced by exercise training in overweight healthy men.JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007Exercise Study, Results from the 1-year randomized Oslo Diet Abstract. Objectives., (i) To estimate changes in apoB and apoB/apoA-I, reflecting the balance between atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoprotein particles, by exercise training and compare with changes in LDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio, and (ii) To compare strengths of relationships between physical fitness and various lipoprotein variables Design, setting, and subjects., The study was a 1-year open randomized trial comprising 219 healthy middle-aged subjects aged 40,49 years who were allocated to exercise or no exercise, dietary advice or no advice in a 2 × 2 factorial design. This study includes 188 men who completed the trial, 45 to diet, 48 to exercise, 58 to diet + exercise and 37 to control. Interventions., Exercise; supervised endurance exercise three times a week. Diet; reduce weight, increase intake of fish and reduce total fat intake. Main outcome measure., One-year change in apoB and apoB/apoA-I ratio. Results., Exercisers decreased their ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-I values significantly compared to non-exercisers. LDL-C was not, but LDL-C/HDL-C was marginally but statistically significantly reduced by exercise. One-year change in ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-I correlated more strongly to 1-year changes in physical fitness than LDL-C or LDL-C/HDL-C. Adjusting for changes in LDL-C or LDL-C/HDL-C did not influence the correlation between changes in fitness and ApoB or ApoB/ApoA-I. However, adjusting for changes in ApoB or ApoB/ApoA-I wiped out the correlation between change in fitness and LDL-C or LDL-C/HDL-C. Relationships weakened when adjusting for changes in waist circumference, but Apo B or ApoB/ApoA-I still correlated significantly to changes in fitness. Conclusion., Physical exercise reduced the atherogenic burden as experienced by the reduction in apoB or apoB/apoA-I levels, but not by LDL-C in healthy middle-aged men. Possibly, regular physical activity might increase the LDL-C particle size, thereby making LDL less atherogenic. Monitoring of apolipoproteins rather than the cholesterol moiety of lipoproteins might improve the assessment of lipoprotein changes after exercise training. [source] Type 1 diabetes: can exercise impair the autoimmune event?CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 4 2008The L -arginine/glutamine coupling hypothesis Abstract Prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires early intervention in the autoimmune process directed against ,-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, which is believed to result from a disorder of immunoregulation. According to this concept, a T-helper lymphocyte of type 1 (Th1) subset of T-lymphocytes and their cytokine products, the type 1 cytokines [e.g. interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-,) and tumour necrosis factor beta (TNF-,)] prevail over immunoregulatory (anti-inflammatory) Th2 subset and its cytokine products, i.e. type 2 cytokines (e.g. IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10). This allows type 1 cytokines to initiate a cascade of immune/inflammatory processes in the islet (insulitis), culminating in ,-cell destruction. Activation of sympathetic-corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) axis by psychological stress induces specifically Th1 cell overactivity that determines enhanced glutamine utilization and consequent poor L -arginine supply for nitric oxide (NO)-assisted insulin secretion. This determines the shift of intraislet glutamate metabolism from the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) to that of L -arginine, leading to a redox imbalance that activates nuclear factor ,B exacerbating inflammation and NO-mediated cytotoxicity. Physical exercise is capable of inducing changes in the pattern of cytokine production and release towards type 2 class and to normalize the glutamine supply to the circulation, which reduces the need for glutamate, whose metabolic fate may be restored in the direction of GSH synthesis and antioxidant defence. Also, the 70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp70), which is immunoregulatory, may modulate exercise-induced anti-inflammation. In this work, we envisage how exercise can intervene in the mechanisms involved in the autoimmune process against ,-cells and how novel therapeutic approaches may be inferred from these observations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of mild aerobic physical exercise on membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in essential hypertensionCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2003Kazushi Tsuda Summary 1.,The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of aerobic physical exercise on membrane function in mild essential hypertension. 2.,Hypertensive patients were divided into an exercise group (n = 8) and a non-exercise (control) group (n = 8). Physical exercise within the intensity of the anaerobic threshold level was performed twice a week for 6 months. Membrane fluidity of erythrocytes was examined by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and spin-labelling methods before and after the trial period in both groups. 3.,After physical exercise, blood pressure decreased significantly. 4.,Compared with the non-exercise group, in the exercise group both the order parameter (S) and the peak height ratio (ho/h -1) in the EPR spectra of erythrocytes were significantly reduced (S, 0.717 ± 0.004 vs 0.691 ± 0.008, respectively (n = 8), P < 0.05; ho/h -1, 5.38 ± 0.06 vs 4.89 ± 0.06, respectively (n = 8), P < 0.05). These findings indicated that exercise increased membrane fluidity and improved the membrane microviscosity of erythrocytes. 5.,There was no direct correlation between blood pressure reduction and the exercise-induced increase in membrane fluidity of erythrocytes. 6.,In the non-exercise (control) group, blood pressure and membrane fluidity were not changed after a 6 month follow-up period. 7., The results show that aerobic physical exercise increased erythrocyte membrane fluidity and improved the rigidity of cell membranes in hypertensive patients. The improvement of rheological properties of erythrocytes may explain, in part, the cellular mechanisms for the beneficial effects of physical exercise in hypertension. [source] Exercising for the wrong reasons: relationships among eating disorder beliefs, dysfunctional exercise beliefs and copingCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 6 2001Dr Konstantinos Loumidis Physical exercise is both a healthy and a maladaptive behaviour,yet, it is often unquestionably recommended as a coping strategy, due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This study examines maladaptive beliefs associated with eating disorders and to the clinical condition of exercise dependence (or addiction) in relation to coping. One hundred exercisers completed measures of eating disorder beliefs, dysfunctional exercise beliefs, types of coping and level of exercise. Eating disorder beliefs were related to dysfunctional exercise beliefs concerning physical appearance, social desirability and inability to function mentally or emotionally. Eating disorder beliefs were positively associated with emotional coping and negatively correlated with task-oriented coping. Exercise beliefs were associated with avoidance coping (distraction). On some components of eating disorder beliefs, between 2 and 15% of exercisers held scored within a clinical range. Unless clinicians exclude the presence of dysfunctional exercise beliefs, eating disorder beliefs and maladaptive coping, they might be paradoxically encouraging exercise for the wrong reasons. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Non-pharmacological approaches for dementia that informal carers might try or access: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2010Claire Hulme Abstract Objective To review non-drug treatments for dementia; to provide a source of evidence for informal carers who want ideas about non-drug approaches for dementia, that they might try or that they could try to access. The systematic review addresses: what non-drug treatments work and what do they work for? What non-drug treatments might work and what for? What non-drug treatments do not work? Methods Literature searches of seven electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews and DARE) were carried out in November 2007 using the following search terms (or derivatives): dementia/Alzheimer's AND Review AND non-drug therapies and aimed at finding systematic reviews. Results Thirty-three reviews were identified; 25 were judged to be high or good quality. Studies within these systematic reviews were characterised by weak study designs with small sample numbers. Three interventions were found to be effective for use with particular symptoms of dementia: music or music therapy, hand massage or gentle touch and physical activity/exercise. Conclusions Whilst informal carers can apply some of the interventions highlighted in the home setting at little or no cost to themselves or to health or social care services, others are likely to require training or instruction. Service providers and commissioners should explore current and future provision of more structured group activities for people with dementia; in particular the provision of group music therapy and group exercise activities that meet the needs of both the person with dementia and their carer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Acute exercise reverses TRB3 expression in the skeletal muscle and ameliorates whole body insulin sensitivity in diabetic miceACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010A. Matos Abstract Aim:, TRB3 became of major interest in diabetes research when it was shown to interact with and inhibit the activity of Akt. Conversely, physical exercise has been linked to improved glucose homeostasis. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of acute exercise on TRB3 expression and whole body insulin sensitivity in obese diabetic mice. Methods:, Male leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice swam for two 3-h-long bouts, separated by a 45-min rest period. After the second bout of exercise, food was withdrawn 6 h before antibody analysis. Eight hours after the exercise protocol, the mice were submitted to an insulin tolerance test (ITT). Gastrocnemius muscle samples were evaluated for insulin receptor (IR) and IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, Akt serine phosphorylation, TRB3/Akt association and membrane GLUT4 expression. Results:, Western blot analysis showed that TRB3 expression was reduced in the gastrocnemius of leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice submitted to exercise when compared with respective ob/ob mice at rest. In parallel, there was an increase in the insulin-signalling pathway in skeletal muscle from leptin-deficient mice after exercise. Furthermore, the GLUT4 membrane expression was increased in the muscle after the exercise protocol. Finally, a single session of exercise improved the glucose disappearance (KITT) rate in ob/ob mice. Conclusion:, Our results demonstrate that acute exercise reverses TRB3 expression and insulin signalling restoration in muscle. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanism by which physical activity ameliorates whole body insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. [source] The decrease in electrically evoked force production is delayed by a previous bout of stretch,shortening cycle exerciseACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010S. Kamandulis Abstract Aim:, Unaccustomed physical exercise with a large eccentric component is accompanied by muscle damage and impaired contractile function, especially at low stimulation frequencies. A repeated bout of eccentric exercise results in less damage and improved recovery of contractile function. Here we test the hypotheses that (1) a prior stretch,shortening cycle (SSC) exercise protects against impaired muscle function during a subsequent bout of SSC exercise and (2) the protection during exercise is transient and becomes less effective as the exercise progresses. Methods:, Healthy untrained men (n = 7) performed SSC exercise consisting of 100 maximal drop jumps at 30 s intervals. The same exercise was repeated 4 weeks later. Peak quadriceps muscle force evoked by electrical stimulation at 15 (P15) and 50 (P50) Hz was measured before exercise, after 10, 25, 50 and 100 jumps as well as 1 and 24 h after exercise. Results:, P15 and P50 were higher during the initial phase of the repeated bout compared with the first exercise bout, but there was no difference between the bouts at the end of the exercise periods. P15 and P50 were again larger 24 h after the repeated bout. The P15/P50 ratio during exercise was not different between the two bouts, but it was higher after the repeated bout. Conclusion:, A prior bout of SSC exercise temporarily protects against impaired contractile function during a repeated exercise bout. The protection can again be seen after exercise, but the underlying mechanism then seems to be different. [source] Depression and the metabolic syndrome: gender-dependent associationsDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 8 2008Sharon Toker Ph.D. Abstract This study was designed to test the extent to which depressive symptoms are associated with the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and each of its components, and whether these relationships are gender dependent. Participants were apparently healthy employed men (N=2,355) and women (N=1,525) who underwent a routine health check between the years 2003 and 2005. We used logistic regression analysis, predicting the MS by depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the following control variables: age, education, smoking status, physical exercise, anxiety, and burnout. As hypothesized, we found that depression among women, but not men, was associated with a 1.94-fold risk of having the MS, and with an elevated risk of having two of its five components: elevated waist circumference (odds ratio, OR=2.23) and elevated glucose levels (OR=2.44). In addition, a positive trend was observed toward an association with the other three components: low high-density lipoprotein, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides. Among men depression was associated with elevated waist circumference only (OR=1.77). These findings suggest that especially among women, the association between depression and cardiovascular diseases might be linked to metabolic processes. If replicated in longitudinal studies, these findings may have important health-care policy implications with regard to depression management interventions. Depression and Anxiety 0:1,9, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of physical exercise versus rosiglitazone on endothelial function in coronary artery disease patients with prediabetesDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 9 2010S. Desch We conducted a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial to compare the effects of rosiglitazone and physical exercise on endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease and impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance over a 6-month period. Group A received rosiglitazone tablets 8 mg daily (n = 16), group B underwent a structured physical exercise programme (n = 15) and group C served as a control group (n = 12). At baseline and after 6 months, brachial artery ultrasound imaging was performed to assess reactive flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Rosiglitazone treatment and exercise both led to significant improvements in insulin resistance at 6 months, whereas no change was observed in control patients. FMD improved significantly in physical exercise patients, whereas no change could be observed in patients receiving rosiglitazone or in the control group. Between-group comparisons also showed a significant relative improvement in FMD in exercise patients compared with rosiglitazone. [source] Self glucose monitoring and physical exercise in diabetesDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2009G. Pugliese Abstract Cardiorespiratory fitness, which is determined mainly by the level of physical activity, is inversely related to mortality in the general population as well as in subjects with diabetes, the incidence of which is also increased by low exercise capacity. Exercise is capable of promoting glucose utilization in normal subjects as well as in insulin-deficient or insulin-resistant diabetic individuals. In diabetic subjects treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues, exercise may also result in complications, with too much insulin causing hypoglycaemia and not enough insulin leading to hyperglycaemia and possibly ketoacidosis; both complications may also occur several hours after exercise. Therefore, self-monitoring of blood glucose before, during (for exercise duration of more than 1 h) and after physical exercise is highly recommended, and also carbohydrate supplementation may be required. In the Italian Diabetes Exercise Study (IDES), measurement of blood glucose and systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels before and after supervised sessions of combined (aerobic + resistance) exercise in type 2 diabetic subjects with the metabolic syndrome showed significant reductions of these parameters, though no major hypoglycaemic or hypotensive episode was detected. The extent of reduction of blood glucose was related to baseline values but not to energy expenditure and was higher in subjects treated with insulin than in those on diet or oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA). Thus, supervised exercise training associated with blood glucose monitoring is an effective and safe intervention to decrease blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic subjects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumorDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Svetoslav Bardarov M.D. Abstract We report a case of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling a malignant peripheral sheath tumor, which posed a significant diagnostic challenge. The patient is a 76-year-old male, who presented in the emergency room with bilateral chest pain exacerbated by inspiration. The pain was present for 3 week and was not exacerbated by physical exercise. The diagnostic workup revealed bilateral parenchymal pulmonary infiltrates. The CT-scan guided fine-needle aspiration and the core biopsies of the largest pulmonary lesion revealed high-grade spindle cell neoplasm with individual cell apoptosis and necrosis. The immunohistochemical profile on the cell block showed that the cells are positive for Vimentin. The S-100 stain showed only focal positivity. The immunohistochemical stains for HMB45, Melan A, pancytokeratin, and smooth muscle actin were negative. Five years ago the patient was diagnosed with melanoma on the back with Clark level of IV. The melanoma was excised with clear margins and sentinel lymph nodes were negative. Careful examination of patient's previous slides revealed an area of spindle cell melanoma adjacent to a nodular type melanoma. Based on the patient's previous history, current clinico-pathologic presentation and immunohistochemical profile, the diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling peripheral nerve sheath tumor was favored over the diagnosis of metastatic malignant spindle cell neoplasm of unknown primary site, which by itself is very rare clinical scenario. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:754,757. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Echocardiographic Parameters in Athlete and Nonathlete Offspring of Hypertensive ParentsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2008Patrícia Horváth M.D. Background: According to several reports, some cardiovascular signs of hypertension (left ventricular [LV] hypertrophy, impaired diastolic filling) can be found in the normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. It is also well known that regular physical exercise decreases the risk of hypertension. Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine whether or not regular physical training influences these early hypertensive traits in the offspring of hypertensive parents. Methods: Echocardiographic data of 215 (144 males, 71 females) 22- to 35-year-old nonathlete and athlete offspring of hypertensive (positive family history, FH+) and normotensive parents (negative family history, FH,) were compared in a cross-sectional design. Results: In the nonathlete FH+ males and females, LV dimensions were not larger than in the FH, subjects. The E/A quotient was lower in the FH+ subjects in both genders. Absolute and heart rate adjusted isovolumetric relaxation times were slightly longer in the FH+ men than in their FH, peers. No differences were seen between athlete FH, and FH+ subjects. Conclusion: Regular physical exercise decreases the incidence of the adverse cardiac signs, which can be associated with hypertension in the normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. [source] Self-reported functional ability predicts three-year mobility and mortality in community-dwelling older personsGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2002Ryuichi Kawamoto Background:, A comprehensive evaluation of the functions of community-dwelling older persons was conducted in 1988. Three years after the 1988 study commenced, the relationship between these background factors and changes during the subsequent 3 years were examined. Methods: ,The study was a comprehensive evaluation of the daily functions of community-dwelling elderly people, and encompassed age, gender, mode of living, marital status, financial status, family relationships, basic activities of daily living, visual and hearing impairment, a history of disease, self-related feeling, social role, social support, habits and physical exercise and the relationship between independence and survival for 3 years after the basic study. The subjects were 2274 community-dwelling elderly people who participated in the first survey in July 1998 and who were aged 65 years and over at that time. Unassisted questionnaire sheets were used for the first survey and changes since the first survey. Results:, Thirty men and 60 women died during the 3 year period. Data were also gathered about the daily activity levels of 1709 persons (75.2%) with 1499 (87.7%) ranking J for independence and 210 persons (12.3%) ranking A to C for dependence. Age, gender, basic activities of daily living (BADL), history of falls, self-related happiness, participation in community events and physical-exercise habits were found to be explanatory variables for independence after three years; as were age, gender, and BADL for survival. Conclusion: , The explanatory variables relating to independence and prognosis of life of the elderly obtained in this study will be important in future considerations of the issue of care-taking and measures to enable it. [source] Voluntary exercise induces anxiety-like behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice correlating with hippocampal neurogenesisHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 3 2010Johannes Fuss Abstract Several studies investigated the effect of physical exercise on emotional behaviors in rodents; resulting findings however remain controversial. Despite the accepted notion that voluntary exercise alters behavior in the same manners as antidepressant drugs, several studies reported opposite or no effects at all. In an attempt to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on emotional behaviors and brain plasticity, we individually housed C57BL/6J male mice in cages equipped with a running wheel. Three weeks after continuous voluntary running we assessed their anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Tests included openfield, dark-light-box, elevated O-maze, learned helplessness, and forced swim test. We measured corticosterone metabolite levels in feces collected over a 24-h period and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in several brain regions. Furthermore, cell proliferation and adult hippocampal neurogenesis were assessed using Ki67 and Doublecortin. Voluntary wheel running induced increased anxiety in the openfield, elevated O-maze, and dark-light-box and higher levels of excreted corticosterone metabolites. We did not observe any antidepressant effect of running despite a significant increase of hippocampal neurogenesis and BDNF. These data are thus far the first to indicate that the effect of physical exercise in mice may be ambiguous. On one hand, the running-induced increase of neurogenesis and BDNF seems to be irrelevant in tests for depression-like behavior, at least in the present model where running activity exceeded previous reports. On the other hand, exercising mice display a more anxious phenotype and are exposed to higher levels of stress hormones such as corticosterone. Intriguingly, numbers of differentiating neurons correlate significantly with anxiety parameters in the openfield and dark-light-box. We therefore conclude that adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a crucial player in the genesis of anxiety. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Age effects on the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by physical activity and environmental enrichment in the APP23 mouse model of Alzheimer diseaseHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 10 2009Sebastian Mirochnic Abstract An active lifestyle is to some degree protective against Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the biological basis for this benefit is still far from clear. We hypothesize that physical and cognitive activity increase a reserve for plasticity by increasing adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). We thus assessed how age affects the response to activity in the murine APP23 model of AD compared with wild type (WT) controls and studied the effects of physical exercise (RUN) and environmental enrichment (ENR) in comparison with standard housing (CTR) at two different ages (6 months and 18 months) and in both genotypes. At 18 months, both activity paradigms reduced the hippocampal human A,1-42/A,1-40 ratio when compared with CTR, despite a stable plaque load in the hippocampus. At this age, both RUN and ENR increased the number of newborn granule cells in the DG of APP23 mice when compared with CTR, whereas the levels of regulation were equivalent to those in WT mice under the same housing conditions. At 6 months, however, neurogenesis in ENR but not RUN mice responded like the WT. Quantifying the number of cells at the doublecortin-positive stage in relation to the number of cells on postmitotic stages we found that ENR overproportionally increased the number of the DCX-positive "late" progenitor cells, indicative of an increased potential to recruit even more new neurons. In summary, the biological substrates for activity-dependent regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis were preserved in the APP23 mice. We thus propose that in this model, ENR even more than RUN might contribute to a "neurogenic reserve" despite a stable plaque load and that age affects the outcome of an interaction based on "activity." © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] HDL-c is a powerful lipid predictor of cardiovascular diseasesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 11 2007E. Bruckert Summary Relationship between HDL-c and cardiovascular diseases:, Beyond the role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in the development of atherosclerosis, growing evidence suggest that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, epidemiological, mechanistic and intervention studies suggest that low HDL-c is a major cardiovascular risk factor and that increasing HDL-c plasma levels may be beneficial, particularly in patients with low HDL-c levels. The inverse association between HDL-c concentrations and cardiovascular risk is continuous without threshold value. Thus, any categorical definition of low HDL-c is arbitrary. Protective effects of HDL:, HDL particles are highly heterogeneous in structure and intravascular metabolism. Antiatherogenic properties of HDL include its role in the reverse cholesterol transfer, besides its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activities. What should clinicians do?:, From a practical point of view, HDL-c should be systematically measured to assess the cardiovascular risk in patients. The first step to consider in subjects with low HDL-c is to look for specific causes and give advice to change inappropriate lifestyle components associated with low HDL-c, such as smoking, lack of physical exercise and overweight. Patients with very low HDL-c need a thorough evaluation by specialist physicians. Statins are associated with a modest increase of HDL-c (5%) while fibrates and nicotinic acid increase HDL-c by 10% and 20% respectively. [source] Combating deceptive advertisements and labelling on food products , an exploratory study on the perceptions of teachersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 3 2003Wai-ling Theresa Lai Yeung People are becoming more health conscious nowadays, but most of them are not able to adopt a lifestyle with adequate physical exercise and a healthier eating pattern. Many attempt to compensate by taking ,health foods'. Despite the recent economic recession, the functional food market expands rapidly in Asian countries. Recent statistics indicate a huge increase in weight loss and functional food product advertising expenditure in Hong Kong and other Asian countries. In a massive survey conducted by the Hong Kong Consumer Council, it was found that 85% of the medicines, health food and therapies sampled contain questionable claims and misleading messages (Consumer Council, 1999). In fact, young people do not understand much about modern food processing, in particular those present in low energy and functional foods, and they know very little about the modern food marketing strategies. The situation is detrimental to consumer welfare especially to the younger generation. This study attempts to reflect critically on the implications of these issues for the health and well-being of young people in Hong Kong. It explores directions for designing relevant and effective education programmes to empower young people in understanding food advertising strategies and making informed decisions on food choice. The paper will begin with a critical review on the current situation in Hong Kong. An interview survey on preservice and in-service teachers' perception towards misleading food advertising and labelling will then be reported. The situations at schools will be defined and problems faced by teachers in providing relevant consumer education programmes to students will be identified. Finally, the study will look to the future, with a view to developing students' critical skills in evaluating claims offered in food advertisements. [source] Binge eating and exercise behavior after surgery for severe obesity: A structural equation modelINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 5 2006Junilla K. Larsen PhD Abstract Objective: The current study sought to find indications for the appropriateness of a model in which eating patterns and exercise beliefs influence binge eating and physical exercise, respectively, that, in turn, influence outcome after gastric banding for severe obesity. Method: Participants were 157 patients (144 females, 13 males) who completed questionnaires approximately 34 months (range = 8,68 months) after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Results: Our data showed a well-fitting model in which external and emotional eating were associated with outcome through binge eating. Several exercise beliefs were associated with physical exercise, but physical exercise was not associated with weight loss or physical health. Conclusion: Binge eating was related more strongly to the outcome after gastric banding than physical exercise. Future research should examine whether a strong focus on the management of binge eating and external and emotional eating could improve the outcome of morbidly obese patients with unsuccessful weight outcome after obesity surgery. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006. [source] The effects of physical exercise on depressive symptoms among the aged: a systematic reviewINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2006Noora Sjösten Abstract Objective To determine the effects of physical exercise on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. Method A literature search covering various medical databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT's) about the effects of exercise treatments on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged. The studies were classified according to the baseline depression status of participants and assessed in relation to allocation concealment, blinding at outcome assessment, follow-up and whether intention to treat analysis was used. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were accepted. Results Exercise was effective in treating depression among those suffering from minor or major depression and in reducing depressive symptoms among those with a high amount of depressive symptoms at baseline. However, both the allocation concealment and the blinding method were adequately described in only four studies. Furthermore, intention-to-treat analysis was conducted in half of the studies and some follow-up information after the intervention has been published for five studies. Conclusions Physical exercise may be efficient in reducing clinical depression and depressive symptoms in the short-term among the aged suffering from depression or a high amount of depressive symptoms. More well controlled studies are needed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Burnout and physical and mental health among Swedish healthcare workersJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2008Ulla Peterson Abstract Title.,Burnout and physical and mental health among Swedish healthcare workers Aim., This paper is a report of a study to investigate how burnout relates to self-reported physical and mental health, sleep disturbance, memory and lifestyle factors. Background., Previous research on the possible relationship between lifestyle factors and burnout has yielded somewhat inconsistent results. Most of the previous research on possible health implications of burnout has focused on its negative impact on mental health. Exhaustion appears to be the most obvious manifestation of burnout, which also correlates positively with workload and with other stress-related outcomes. Method., A cross-sectional study was conducted, using questionnaires sent to all employees in a Swedish County Council (N = 6118) in 2002. The overall response rate was 65% (n = 3719). A linear discriminant analysis was used to look for different patterns of health indicators and lifestyle factors in four burnout groups (non-burnout, disengaged, exhausted and burnout). Results., Self-reported depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, memory impairment and neck- and back pain most clearly discriminated burnout and exhausted groups from disengaged and non-burnout groups. Self-reported physical exercise and alcohol consumption played a minor role in discriminating between burnout and non-burnout groups, while physical exercise discriminated the exhausted from the disengaged group. Conclusion., Employees with burnout had most symptoms, compared with those who experienced only exhaustion, disengagement from work or no burnout, and the result underlines the importance of actions taken to prevent and combat burnout. [source] Muscle Strength After Resistance Training Is Inversely Correlated with Baseline Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in the Oldest OldJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2 2004Helle Bruunsgaard MD Objectives:, To test the hypothesis that physical exercise induces an antiinflammatory response that is associated with reduced chronic activation of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha system in frail elders and that the increase in muscle strength after resistance training is limited by systemic low-grade inflammation. Design:, A 12-week controlled resistance-training study. Setting:, Nursing homes in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants:, Twenty-one frail nursing home residents aged 86 to 95 completed the study. Intervention:, Ten participants were randomized to a program of resistance training of knee extensors and flexors three times a week for 12 weeks; the remaining 11 participants served as a control group who joined social activities supervised by an occupation therapist. Measurements:, Muscle strength, plasma levels of TNF-,, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured before and at the end of the intervention period. Results:, The training program improved muscle strength but did not affect plasma levels of TNF-, and sTNFR-I or IL-6. However, plasma levels of sTNFR-I at baseline were inversely correlated with the increase in muscle strength. Conclusion:, Low-grade activation of the TNF system could limit the increase in muscle strength after resistance training in the oldest old. Furthermore, data suggest that theantiinflammatory response induced by 12 weeks of resistance training is not sufficient to reduce chronic activation of the TNF system, but the small sample size limited this interpretation. [source] Highlights of Papers in Clinical Investigations Section: Depressive Disorder as a Predictor of Physical Disability in Old AgeJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2001S-L Kivela In this longitudinal study with a 5-year follow-up, 786 subjects were assessed for the impact of depression on physical disability. Depression present at baseline did not predict lowering of functional abilities during the follow-up period. However, new-onset depression that was relapsing or long-term in course was associated with increased risk for lowering functional abilities, even when age, sociodemographic factors, physical diseases, and baseline disabilities were controlled. Depressed older people should be placed on a program to maintain their functional abilities through physical exercise and training in activities of daily living and intermediate activities of daily living. [source] Weight Status of Persons with Intellectual DisabilitiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 5 2009Marian A. Maaskant Background, The aim was to study the weight and weight status of the study group in 2002 and 2007, and to study the differences in weight and weight status between 2002 and 2007 and the risk groups for (becoming) overweight/obese. Materials and Methods, The Body Mass Index (BMI) of 336 clients of a Dutch service provider for persons with intellectual disabilities was calculated in 2002 and 2007. Results, The mean increase in BMI between 2002 and 2007 was 0.8 (2.2 kg). In 2002, 36% of the study group was overweight/obese; this was higher in 2007: 45%. The expected relationship between increase in BMI and the change in living circumstances could not be confirmed. Conclusions, Further research into health-control programmes, weight status, food-intake and physical exercise is recommended. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||