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ABSTRACT: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. Several epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between the risk of breast cancer and physical activity levels, whereas exercise training has been recognized as a significant means in the rehabilitation process of breast cancer survivors. The relative risk reduction of breast cancer for women who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for 3-5 days peek week ranged between 20-40 %. Furthermore, several studies demonstrated a 24-67 % reduction in the risk of total deaths and 50-53 % reduction in the risk of breast cancer deaths in women who are physically active after breast cancer diagnosis compared with sedentary women. Breast cancer survivors should be encouraged to participate in rehabilitation programs in order to obtain numerous physiological and psychological benefits. These include reductions in fatigue and improvements in immune function, physical functioning, body composition, and quality of life. Based on recent scientific evidence, a complete rehabilitation program for patients with breast cancer should combine both strength and aerobic exercise in order to maximize the expected benefits.
Wiener klinische Wochenschrift 05/2013; · 0.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Exercise is known to improve endothelial function in healthy subjects as well as patients with cardiovascular disease and this might be partially related to a regeneration of diseased endothelium by circulating progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs are a subgroup of peripheral blood monocytes that contribute to re-endothelialization of injured endothelium as well as neovascularization of ischemic lesions. Cross-sectional studies have indicated that chronic, regular physical activity has a positive effect on the levels of circulating EPCs. This is associated with an improvement of endothelial dysfunction that is induced by apoptosis due to the underlying aging process or accelerated by cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, it is well established that chronic exercise training has the potency to mobilize EPCs from the bone marrow. For patients with cardiac disease this is of clinical importance since EPCs have been implicated in vascular repair and revascularization. Studies are needed to refine the best mode of exercise training that will upregulate circulating EPCs as well as to clarify the kinetics of EPCs after the termination of different exercise sessions in different diseases and medication. Whether there is a direct link between enhanced mobilization of EPCs via exercise and improvement of disease and prognosis remains a hypothesis which needs to be further evaluated.
Clinical Research in Cardiology 11/2012; · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The present study examines the changes in maximum strength, vertical jump performance as well as the load-velocity and load-power relationship after a resistance training period using a heavy load and an individual load that maximizes mechanical power output with and without including body mass in power calculations. Forty-three moderately trained males (age: 22.7±2.5 yrs) were separated into four groups, two groups of maximum power, one where body mass was not included in the calculations of the load that maximizes mechanical power (Pmax-bw, n=11) and another where body mass was included in the calculations (Pmax+bw n=9), a high load group (HL-90%, n=12), and a control group (C, n=11). The subjects performed 4-6 sets of jump-squat and the repeated-jump exercises for 6 weeks. For the jump-squat the HL-90% group performed 3 repetitions at each set with a load of 90% of one repetition maximum (1-RM), the Pmax-bw group 5 repetitions with loads 48-58% of 1-RM and the Pmax+bw 8 repetitions with loads 20-37% of 1-RM. For the repeated-jump all groups performed six repetitions at each set. All training groups improved (p<0.05) maximum strength in the semi-squat exercise (HL-90%: 15.2±7.1, Pmax-bw: 6.6±4.7, Pmax+bw: 6.9±7.1, and C: 0±4.3%) and the HL-90% group presented higher values (p<0.05) than the other groups. All training groups improved similarly (p<0.05) squat (HL-90%: 11.7±7.9, Pmax-bw: 14.5±11.8, Pmax+bw: 11.3±7.9, and C: -2.2±5.5%) and countermovement jump height (HL-90%: 8.6±7.9, Pmax-bw: 10.9±9.4, Pmax+bw: 8.8±4.3, and C: 0.4±6%). The HL-90% and the Pmax-bw group increased (p<0.05) power output at loads of 20, 35, 50, 65 and 80% of 1-RM and the Pmax+bw group at loads of 20 and 35% of 1-RM. The inclusion or not of body mass to determine the load that maximizes mechanical power output affects the long-term adaptations differently in the load-power relationship. Thus, training load selection will depend on the required adaptations. However, the use of heavy loads causes greater overall neuromuscular adaptations in moderately trained individuals.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 06/2012; · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to examine the physiological responses, the stroke parameter changes and the ability to sustain a velocity corresponding to critical velocity (CV) during interval swimming on female swimmers of different age-groups. Eight children (C; age:10.4±0.6 yrs), eleven young (Y; age:13.1 ± 0.4 yrs) and seven adults (A; age:19.9 ± 4.6 yrs) swam all-out efforts of 50, 100, 200, 400-m for CV and critical stroke rate (CSR) calculation. Subsequently, the swimmers performed an interval training set of 5x300-m (C) and 5x400-m repetitions (Y and A) at a velocity corresponding to CV. The CV was higher in the Y and A compared to C group (C:0.962 ± 0.05, Y:1.168 ± 0.09, A:1.217 ± 0.05 m s, p<0.05). The velocity of 5x300 and 5x400-m was not different compared to CV (C:100 ± 2%, Y: 98 ± 3%, A:98 ± 3% of CV, p>0.05). The blood lactate concentration was similar between groups and was maintained steady within each group (C: 4.5±1.4, Y: 4.9±1.4, A: 3.9±1.3 mmol l, p>0.05). Heart rate was higher in the C and Y compared to A group during the last 100-m of each repetition (p<0.05). Stroke rate remained unchanged during the repetitions and was similar between groups and no different to the CSR (p>0.05). Stroke length of the fifth repetition was 4.5±4.0% shorter compared to the second repetition in the Y and 5.3±2.0% shorter compared to the first repetition in the A group (p<0.05). During 28 to 31-min duration intermittent swimming, children, young and adult female swimmers were able to sustain CV with a steady and similar blood lactate concentration. Decreased stroke length may indicate an earlier fatigue in young and adult swimmers.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 02/2012; · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the independent associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children. The sample consisted of 112 children (11.4 ± 0.4 years). Data was obtained for children's anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS components, and CRP levels. MetS was defined using criteria analogous to the Adult Treatment Panel III definition. A MetS risk score was also computed. Prevalence of the MetS was 5.4%, without gender differences. Subjects with low fitness showed significantly higher MetS risk (P < 0.001) and CRP (P < 0.007), compared to the high-fitness pupils. However, differences in MetS risk, and CRP between fitness groups decreased when adjusted for waist circumference. These data indicate that the mechanisms linking cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS risk and inflammation in children are extensively affected by obesity. Intervention strategies aiming at reducing obesity and improving cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood might contribute to the prevention of the MetS in adulthood.
International Journal of Pediatrics 01/2012; 2012:270515.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a combined strength and aerobic training program on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor-β1 in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Ten patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 55.5 (5) years [median (IQR)] participated in a supervised systematic exercise training program which included aerobic exercise and strength training, undertaken four days per week for eight weeks.
The training program increased transforming growth factor-β1 concentration (+50.4%) and reduced high sensitivity C reactive protein levels (-24.1%) without altering the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additional improvements were also achieved in anthropometric characteristics, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c: -11.8%), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR: -15%) and physical fitness parameters (stress test: +26.6%, upper muscle strength: +32.4% and lower muscle strength: +48.9%).
A combined strength and aerobic exercise program has a potential anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory impact which most likely reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves the health status in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Hormones (Athens, Greece) 04/2011; 10(2):125-30. · 2.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to examine the seasonal changes in body composition and aerobic performance in elite soccer players. Twelve elite professional soccer players (aged 25 6 5 years, weight 75.7 6 5.3 kg, height 1.79 6 0.06 m) were measured for body fat (%), maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), running velocity at VO2max (VO2max), running velocity at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · L21 (v-4 mM) at the start of the preseason period, at the beginning of the competitive period, and at midseason. VO2max, v-4 mM, and vVO2max increased significantly (p , 0.05) by 4.5, 10.5, and 7.8,respectively, after the preseason period. Thereafter, the aerobic performance parameters remained relatively constant, with no significant changes throughout the competitive period. The results of this study suggest that moderate improvements were observed in VO2max, and the %VO2max at 4 v-4 mM, whereas higher improvements were observed in VO2max and v-4 mmol · L21 after the preseason training period. On the other hand, during the competitive period, aerobic performance remained unchanged.In addition, this study suggests that heart rate, lactate, vVO2, and VO2max are useful and practical predictors that help monitor aerobic performance changes during a soccer season.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 03/2011; 25(6):1502-7. · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examines the efficacy of critical swimming velocity (CV) for training prescription and monitoring the changes induced on aerobic endurance after a period of increased training volume in young swimmers. An experimental group (E: n = 7; age: 13.3 ± 1.3 years), which participated in competitive training was tested at the beginning (W0), the sixth week (W6), and 14th week (W14) to compare the changes of aerobic endurance indexes (CV; lactate threshold [LT]; velocity corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · L: V4). A control group (C: n = 7; age: 14.1 ± 1.6 years), which refrained from competitive training, was used to observe maturation effects and was tested for CV changes between W0 and W14. The average weekly training volume was increased after the sixth week in the E group and was unchanged for the C group. The CV was not different between or within groups at W0 and W14 (p > 0.05). The LT of the E group was no different compared to V4 and CV at W0 and W6 (p > 0.05) but was higher than CV at W14 (p < 0.05). The LT increased (6.5 ± 5.3%, p < 0.05), but V4 and CV were unchanged after W6 (3.6 ± 1.9%; 2.1 ± 1.2%, p > 0.05). LT, V4, and CV were unchanged despite the increased training volume from W6 to W14 (LT: 1.2 ± 4.3%, V4: 0.8 ± 1.5%, CV: 0.3 ± 0.8%; p > 0.05). These findings suggest that CV pace may be effectively used for the improvement of aerobic endurance in young swimmers. The aerobic endurance indexes used for the assessment of swimmers' progression showed different rates of change as a response to the same training stimulus and cannot be used interchangeably for training planning.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 03/2011; 25(6):1563-70. · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on sprint swimming performance after low- and high-intensity active recovery (AR) as compared to passive recovery. Ten male competitive swimmers (age: 17.9 ± 2.3 years; body mass: 73.2 ± 4.0 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.04 m, 100-m best time: 54.90 ± 1.96 seconds) performed 8 × 25-m sprints with 120-second rest intervals followed by a 50-m sprint 6 minutes later. During the 120-second and the 6-minute interval periods swimmers rested passively (PAS) or swam at an intensity of 40% (ACT40; 36 ± 8% of the V(O2)max) and 60% (ACT60; 59 ± 7% of the V(O2)max) of their individual 100-m velocity. Performance time of the 8 × 25-m after ACT60 was slower compared with PAS and ACT40, but no difference was observed between ACT40 and PAS conditions (PAS: 12.15 ± 0.48, ACT40: 12.23 ± 0.54, ACT60: 12.35 ± 0.57 seconds, p < 0.05). Performance time of the 50-m sprint was no different between conditions (PAS: 26.45 ± 0.91; ACT40: 26.30 ± 1.18; ACT60: 26.21 ± 1.19 seconds; p > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was not different between PAS, ACT40, and ACT60 after the 8 × 25-m and the 50-m sprints (p > 0.05). Passive recovery, or low intensity of AR (40% of the 100-m velocity), is advised to maintain repeated 25-m sprint swimming performance when a 2-minute interval period is provided. Active recovery at an intensity corresponding to 60% of the 100-m velocity decreases performance during the 25-m repeated sprints without affecting the performance time on a subsequent longer duration sprint (i.e., 50 m).
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 01/2011; 25(1):109-16. · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Limited data exist on the effects of resistance training and detraining on functional performance in very old adults aged >80 years. First, to determine the effects of an 8-week resistance exercise program on muscle strength and functional performance in very old men. Second, to examine the effect of a 6-week detraining period in muscle strength and functional performance.
Twenty- two men, aged >80 years, were randomized to three groups: resistance exercise-detraining group (RDT; n=8), resistance exercise group (RT; n=7) and control group (CON; n=7). RT and RDT groups performed an 8 week resistance exercise program for lower and upper muscle groups, two times a week. Thereafter, RDT underwent a 6-week detraining period, whereas the RT group continued resistance exercise. 3-RM strength, 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), chair rising time, and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) tests were assessed at baseline, and at week 8 and week 14.
Significant improvements were observed in 3-RM strength (25% to 55%; p<0.001) and functional performance (15 to 25%; p<0.001) tests, in RDT and RT after 8 weeks of exercise. RT continued to improve muscle strength and 6-MWD significantly (p<0.05) until the end of the exercise period, whereas significant declines in muscle strength (60 to 87%; p<0.05) and functional performance (36 to 70%; p<0.05) gains occurred during the exercise period were observed in RDT during the 6-week detraining period. No significant differences were observed in the control group.
Results indicate that a resistance exercise program induces favorable muscular and functional adaptations in very old adults. However, a significant part of the favorable adaptations obtained after resistance exercise may be lost within 6 weeks of detraining. Therefore, very old adults should follow a long-term and systematic routine of exercise throughout life, in order to improve and maintain their physical functions and to ameliorate their life status.
Aging clinical and experimental research 04/2010; 22(2):134-40. · 1.55 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of a 12 weeks detraining period on muscle strength and mass in older adults who had previously participated in a 12 weeks resistance training programme of high [80% of one repetition maximum (1-RM)] or moderate (60% of 1-RM) intensity. Twenty older adults (60-74 years), separated into a high (HI; n = 10; age: 65 +/- 5 years) and a moderate (MI; n = 10; age: 66 +/- 4 years) intensity resistance training group, were measured in the 1-RM knee extension and flexion strength, and the midthigh cross sectional areas (CSAs) of quadriceps, hamstrings and total thigh before and after a 12 weeks training period as well as after a 12 weeks detraining period. Maximum knee extension and flexion strength and the CSAs of all muscles decreased significantly (P<0.05) with detraining but remained higher (P<0.05) than pretraining levels for both groups. The HI group had a greater decrement (P<0.05) in maximum strength and the CSA of total thigh compared to the MI group but strength levels and the CSA following detraining were higher (P<0.05) for the HI group. The above data suggest that after a short detraining period of 12 weeks, muscle strength and hypertrophy levels of older adults decrease but remain greater than pretraining irrespective of training intensity. Greater declines in muscle strength are observed following HI training but still muscular strength and muscle mass are retained at a higher level than with MI probably due to the higher gains achieved during the training period.
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging 03/2009; 29(4):316-9. · 1.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To examine the effects of active and passive recovery of various durations after a 100-m swimming test performed at maximal effort.
Eleven competitive swimmers (5 males, 6 females, age: 17.3 +/- 0.6 y) completed two 100-m tests with a 15-min interval at a maximum swimming effort under three experimental conditions. The recovery between tests was 15 min passive (PAS), 5 min active, and 10 min passive (5ACT) or 10 min active and 5 min passive (10ACT). Self-selected active recovery started immediately after the first test, corresponding to 60 +/- 5% of the 100-m time. Blood samples were taken at rest, 5, 10, and 15 min after the first as well as 5 min after the second 100-m test for blood lactate determination. Heart rate was also recorded during the corresponding periods.
Performance time of the first 100 m was not different between conditions (P > .05). The second 100-m test after the 5ACT (64.49 +/- 3.85 s) condition was faster than 10ACT (65.49 +/- 4.63 s) and PAS (65.89 +/- 4.55 s) conditions (P < .05). Blood lactate during the 15-min recovery period between the 100-m efforts was lower in both active recovery conditions compared with passive recovery (P < .05). Heart rate was higher during the 5ACT and 10ACT conditions compared with PAS during the 15-min recovery period (P < .05).
Five minutes of active recovery during a 15-min interval period is adequate to facilitate blood lactate removal and enhance performance in swimmers. Passive recovery and/or 10 min of active recovery is not recommended.
International journal of sports physiology and performance 09/2008; 3(3):375-86. · 1.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of pre-exercise carbohydrate ingestion on exercise metabolism and endurance running capacity. Eleven active subjects (VO(2) (max) 49.0 +/- 1.7 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), mean +/- SE) performed two exercise trials 15 min after ingesting glucose (G; 1 g x kg body mass(-1)) and placebo (CON). Each subject ran on a level treadmill for 5 min at 60%, 45 min at 70%, and then at 80% of VO(2) (max) until exhaustion. Serum glucose and plasma insulin reached their peak concentrations (p < 0.01) 15 min after glucose ingestion and declined at the onset of exercise. Serum glycerol concentrations were lower (p < 0.01) in the G trial than in the CON trial after 30 min of exercise to exhaustion. In addition, after 45 min of exercise to exhaustion, the levels of free fatty acids were lower in G than in CON (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in carbohydrate oxidation rates during exercise between treatments (G, 2.53 +/- 0.08 g x min(-1); CON, 2.40 +/- 0.09 g x min(-1)). Time to exhaustion was 12.8% longer in G (p < 0.01) than in CON. These results suggest that glucose ingestion 15 min before prolonged exercise provides an additional carbohydrate source to the exercising muscle, thus improving endurance running capacity.
Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism 07/2008; 33(3):441-9. · 2.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptations of a water-based training program as well as the detraining and retraining effects on physiological parameters in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Twenty-one patients were separated in an exercise group (n = 11) and a control group (n = 10). The exercise group followed three periods: training, detraining and retraining. Each period lasted 4 months. During the training and the retraining periods, the patients performed four sessions of water exercise (not swimming) per week.
The water-based program was well-accepted and no adverse effects were observed. The exercise group improved (p < 0.05) their stress-test time (+11.8%), VO(2 peak) (+8.4%) and total body strength (+12.2%) after the training period; detraining tended to reverse these positive adaptations. Resumption of training increased the beneficial effects obtained after the initial training period (exercise stress: +4.5%; VO(2 peak): +6.6%; total strength: +7.0%). The patients in the control group did not show any significant alterations throughout the study.
Water-based exercise is safe and induces positive physiological and muscular adaptations in low-risk patients with CAD. These could be reversed, however, after the cessation of exercise. This is why uninterrupted exercise throughout life is a must.
Cardiology 04/2008; 111(4):257-64. · 1.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To identify the physiological and anthropometric predictors of rhythmic gymnastics performance, which was defined from the total ranking score of each athlete in a national competition.
Thirty-four rhythmic gymnasts were divided into 2 groups, elite (n = 15) and nonelite (n = 19), and they underwent a battery of anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological measurements. The principal-components analysis extracted 6 components: anthropometric, flexibility, explosive strength, aerobic capacity, body dimensions, and anaerobic metabolism. These were used in a simultaneous multiple-regression procedure to determine which best explain the variance in rhythmic gymnastics performance.
Based on the principal-component analysis, the anthropometric component explained 45% of the total variance, flexibility 12.1%, explosive strength 9.2%, aerobic capacity 7.4%, body dimensions 6.8%, and anaerobic metabolism 4.6%. Components of anthropometric (r = .50) and aerobic capacity (r = .49) were significantly correlated with performance (P < .01). When the multiple-regression model-y = 10.708 + (0.0005121 x VO2max) + (0.157 x arm span) + (0.814 x midthigh circumference) - (0.293 x body mass)-was applied to elite gymnasts, 92.5% of the variation was explained by VO2max (58.9%), arm span (12%), midthigh circumference (13.1%), and body mass (8.5%).
Selected anthropometric characteristics, aerobic power, flexibility, and explosive strength are important determinants of successful performance. These findings might have practical implications for both training and talent identification in rhythmic gymnastics.
International journal of sports physiology and performance 03/2008; 3(1):41-54. · 1.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We examined the effects of combined resistance and aerobic training on land versus combined resistance and aerobic training in water in patients with coronary artery disease.
Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to land exercise (LE, n = 12), water exercise (WE, n = 12), and control (n = 10) groups. The LE group trained 4 times per week, twice with aerobic exercise and twice with resistance training. The WE program included aquatic aerobic activities 2 times per week and resistance exercise at the same frequency carried out in water. The duration of the training programs was 4 months. Body composition measurements, blood lipids, exercise stress testing, and muscular strength were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the training period.
After 4 months of training, analysis of covariance revealed that body weight and sum of skinfolds were lower for WE and LE groups than for the control group. Patients who trained in water improved exercise time (+11.7% vs +8.1%) and maximum strength (+12.8% vs +12.9%) in a similar manner compared to the patients who trained on land. Total cholesterol (WE -4.4%, LE -3.3%) and triglycerides (WE -10.2%, LE -11.8%) decreased significantly for both exercise groups but not for the control group.
Exercise programs that combine resistance and aerobic exercise performed either on land or in water can both improve exercise tolerance and muscular strength in patients with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, both programs induce similar favorable adaptations on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and body composition.
American heart journal 10/2007; 154(3):560.e1-6. · 4.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the acute changes in leukocyte number and cortisol after a single bout of soccer training.
Ten elite female national-team soccer players and 8 nonathletes participated in the study. The duration of the exercise was 2 h, and it was performed at an intensity of 75% of maximal heart rate (HRmax). Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 4 h after a soccer training session to determine total white blood cells; the subsets of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils; and cortisol. At the same time, blood samples were obtained from nonathletes who refrained from exercise.
Data analysis indicated a significant increase in total white blood cells in the athletes postexercise (P < .001). The leukocytosis was still evident after 4 h of recovery (78% higher than the preexercise values), and there was a significant difference between athletes and nonathletes (P < .001). This leukocytosis was primarily caused by neutrophilia-there were no significant differences in lymphocytes after the end of exercise or between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in cortisol concentration between athletes and nonathletes after the exercise (P < .001).
These findings revealed that the single bout of soccer training at an intensity of 75% of HRmax induced leukocytosis without affecting the lymphocyte count in elite female athletes and probably the effectiveness of cellular components of adaptive immunity. Coaches should provide adequate time (>4 h) until the next exercise session.
International journal of sports physiology and performance 09/2007; 2(3):239-49. · 1.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To examine the validity of self-reported values of body height and weight, used for the estimation of body mass index (BMI), as a diagnostic method for the evaluation of overweight and obesity in Greek school children.
Self-reported height and weight was recorded and then measured in 378 primary (mean age 11.4 +/- .4 years) and 298 high school students (mean age 12.5 +/- .3 years). The BMI cutoff points adopted by the International Obesity Task Force were used to compare prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity obtained from self-reported and actual measures.
Significant differences were found between self-reported and measured anthropometric indices in all subgroups, except for height in elementary school girls. The degree of self-report bias did not differ between genders; however, it was higher for high school students and heavier children, compared to elementary school pupils and lighter children, respectively. Based on self-reports, prevalence estimates were 23.1% for overweight and 4.3% for obesity, but according to measured data the corresponding rates were 28.8% and 9.5%, respectively.
The present findings imply that the observed discrepancy between self-reported and measured anthropometric data in Greek children and adolescents might lead to erroneous estimating rates of overweight and obesity. Although self-reported data are easy to obtain, health surveys of overweight and obesity in youth need valid and accurate procedures.
Journal of Adolescent Health 05/2007; 40(4):305-10. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 10 weeks of moderate resistance strength training followed by 6 weeks of detraining on muscle strength and jump performance in healthy, moderately active, older men, aged 61 - 75 years (mean age 68 +/- 5 years).
Subjects were randomly assigned to a moderate resistance strength training group (RT, n = 9), or to a control group (C, n = 9). The RT group trained upper and lower body muscle groups at 60% of 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM), 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Both groups were evaluated in the 1-RM knee extension and flexion strength, squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ) height before and after the training period. In addition, the RT group was evaluated in the same measurements after 6 weeks of detraining.
After the training period, RT improved significantly (p < 0.001) the 1-RM knee extension (32%) and flexion (28%) strength, SJ (39%), and CMJ (31%) height. Significant reductions were observed in 1-RM lower body strength, SJ, and CMJ height by approximately 15%, after the detraining period.
Muscle strength and vertical jump performance improved after short-term moderate resistance strength training. A short-term detraining period affects the muscle strength and power in older adults, but the neuromuscular function does not return to pretraining levels. This suggests that the continuation of a strength training program is essential for the maintenance of muscle strength, functional performance, and independence in older adults.
Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001) 01/2007; 30(3):109-13.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to provide estimates for overweight and obesity in a sample of Greek schoolchildren and to determine their possible relation with selected motor and health-related fitness parameters.
The study sample consisted of 709 healthy children (328 girls, 381 boys, mean age = 8.9+/-1.6 years), living in the towns of Agios Stefanos (approximately 12,000 citizens) and Alexandroupolis (approximately 60,000 citizens), Greece. All pupils underwent anthropometric, motor and cardiovascular fitness assessments (Eurofit test battery). The body mass index (BMI) cut-off points adopted by the International Obesity Task Force were utilized for the assessment of overweight and obesity.
59.4% of the participants had a normal BMI, 25.8% were overweight and 14.8% were obese, without significant differences between genders.
In general, the higher BMI categories were strongly associated with inferior performances in all fitness tests, except flexibility. This graded relationship was consistent for both boys and girls, although the statistical relationship between BMI categories and fitness performance varied by gender.
In conclusion, the findings of the current study offer some support to the reported high prevalence of childhood obesity in Greece and suggest that overweight and obesity are limiting factors for fitness performance in primary schoolchildren. The present data suggest that interventions promoting children's health should, ideally, begin early in life and involve measures that simultaneously improve fitness and lower fatness.
European Journal of Pediatrics 01/2007; 165(12):867-74. · 1.88 Impact Factor
