Variation in myokine and adipokine levels according to menstrual cycle following regular resistance exercise.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences between myokine and adipokine factors under stable conditions according to the menstrual cycle (luteal and follicular phases) and to investigate the effect of regular resistance exercise on the changes in myokine and adipokine factors according to menstrual cycle in obese female college students. METHODS: The study participants were female college students with a body fat percentage of 30% or more (N.=20), divided into two groups: luteal phase (N.=12) and follicular phase (N.=8). They performed regular resistance exercise three times a week, 60 minutes daily, for 16 weeks. Parameters measured include body composition via impedance, visceral fat area using computed tomography and myokine and adipokine factors in blood. RESULTS: Levels of BDNF (P<0.05), NGF (P<0.01), and adiponectin (P<0.01) were significantly increased in the luteal phase group after 16 weeks relative to the baseline values. Leptin (P<0.01) was significantly decreased in the luteal phase group after 16 weeks. Weight, Body Mass Index, %fat, and visceral fat area were significantly decreased in both groups after 16 weeks. Muscle mass was significantly increased in both groups after 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Regular resistance exercise affected the reduction in visceral fat area and had a positive effect on body composition which might be altered favorably by myokines and adipokines. Thus, the timing of blood collection is very important in obese female college students.

The effect of aroma stimulation during isotonic exercise on the rating of perceived exertion and blood fatigue factors of athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of aroma stimulation during isotonic exercise on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the blood fatigue factors of athletes who have patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Subjects and Methods] The research subjects were seven athletes in their twenties who suffer from PFPS. They were divided into a control group and an aroma stimulation group and performed isotonic exercises repeatedly. After exercising, the RPE and blood fatigue factors, including creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ammonia, were measured through blood sampling. [Results] The aroma stimulus group showed significantly lower RPE than the control group immediately after exercising, which included leg presses, leg curls, bicep curls, and leg extensions. Among the blood fatigue factors, the change in LDH indicated the effect of aroma stimulation. [Conclusion] We confirmed that aroma stimulation during isotonic exercise has the positive effect of reducing the RPE and blood fatigue factors, such as blood LDH, of the athletes with PFPS.

Effects of silver gymnastic exercises on aging-related hormones in elderly women living alone.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of silver gymnastic exercises on aging-related hormones in elderly women living alone. [Subjects and Methods] The study group consisted of 20 elderly women living alone who performed the silver gymnastic exercises for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of aging-related hormones (human growth hormone [HGH] and estrogen). [Results] HGH and estrogen levels increased significantly after the exercise program as compared to before the program. [Conclusion] The silver gymnastic exercises helped to induce positive changes in aging-related hormone levels in elderly women living alone. These positive effects on aging-related hormones might help to slow down aging in elderly women living alone.

Elderly-customized hatha yoga effects on the vascular inflammation factors of elderly women.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the application of elderly-customized hatha yoga on the vascular inflammation factors of elderly women. [Subjects and Methods] This research was conducted with 14 elderly women, between 70 and 80 years old, divided into an elderly-customized hatha yoga group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). The application group participated in a hatha yoga program designed to be elderly-friendly for 10 weeks. At the end of the program, the vascular inflammation factors were measured, including the albumin, white blood cell count, fibrinogen, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). [Results] In the hatha yoga group, the albumin increased significantly after the application, when compared to the level before the application, while the fibrinogen, hs-CRP, and ESR decreased significantly. In the control group, the vascular inflammation factor levels before and after the application period were not significantly different. [Conclusion] Based on the results of this study, the application of elderly-customized hatha yoga created positive changes in the vascular inflammation factors of elderly women.

The effects of short-term lumbar stability cross taping on muscle strength of trunk extension and lumbar pain level in patients with chronic back.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term lumbar stability cross taping program on muscle strength of trunk extension and lumbar pain level in patients with chronic back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The present study divided 14 patients with chronic back pain into the stability cross taping group (SCTG; n=7) and the control group (CONG; n=7). Lumbar cross taping was applied to SCTG for 7 days, but the taping was not applied to CONG. After 7 days of the lumbar stability cross taping application to SCTG, lumbar muscle function and lumbar pain levels were measured using a Medx lumbar extension machine (Medx, USA) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for the subjects in both SCTG and CONG. [Results] For SCTG, all the elements in lumbar muscle function and were significantly improved and lumbar pain level was also significantly reduced after the application of the 7-day lumbar stability cross taping. However, CONG did not show any statistically significant changes. [Conclusion] The results of the present study showed that the lumbar stability cross taping is an effective rehabilitation to improve lumbar muscle function and reduce lumbar pain level in patients with chronic back pain.

Effects of the application of ankle functional rehabilitation exercise on the ankle joint functional movement screen and isokinetic muscular function in patients with chronic ankle sprain.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ankle functional rehabilitation exercise on ankle joint functional movement screen results and isokinetic muscular function in patients with chronic ankle sprain patients. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 16 patients with chronic ankle sprain were randomized to an ankle functional rehabilitation exercise group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). The ankle functional rehabilitation exercise centered on a proprioceptive sense exercise program, which was applied 12 times for 2 weeks. To verify changes after the application, ankle joint functional movement screen scores and isokinetic muscular function were measured and analyzed. [Results] The ankle functional rehabilitation exercise group showed significant improvements in all items of the ankle joint functional movement screen and in isokinetic muscular function after the exercise, whereas the control group showed no difference after the application. [Conclusion] The ankle functional rehabilitation exercise program can be effectively applied in patients with chronic ankle sprain for the improvement of ankle joint functional movement screen score and isokinetic muscular function.

Changes in stress hormone levels with the application of vibrations before resistance exercises at different intensities.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to determine whether vibrations should be applied before resistance exercises by examining changes in stress hormone levels with vibrations applied before different exercise intensities. [Subjects] Eighteen male subjects in their 20s were included, and were randomly divided into one-repetition maximum (1RM) 50% group (50% RMG, n = 6), 1RM 70% group (70%RMG, n = 6), and 1RM 90% group (90% RMG, n = 6). [Methods] Three sets of Smith squats were performed at 1RM 50%, 70%, and 90% according to resistance intensities, and vibrations were applied for 1 min at a fixed frequency of 30 Hz before each set. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine stress hormone levels were analyzed. [Results] Epinephrine levels were significantly higher immediately after exercise than at rest in the 50%RMG; however, no significant changes were noted in the 70%RMG and 90%RMG. Norepinephrine levels were significantly higher immediately after exercise than at rest in all three groups. However, no significant changes in dopamine levels were noted in the three groups. [Conclusion] The application of vibrations at a frequency of 30 Hz before 70%RM and 90%RM resistance exercises suppressed increases in the stress hormone epinephrine levels immediately after exercise.

Effects of proprioceptive circuit exercise on knee joint pain and muscle function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

[Purpose] This study applied proprioceptive circuit exercise to patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis and examined its effects on knee joint muscle function and the level of pain. [Subjects] In this study, 14 patients with knee osteoarthritis in two groups, a proprioceptive circuit exercise group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7), were examined. [Methods] IsoMed 2000 (D&R Ferstl GmbH, Hemau, Germany) was used to assess knee joint muscle function, and a Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain level. [Results] In the proprioceptive circuit exercise group, knee joint muscle function and pain levels improved significantly, whereas in the control group, no significant improvement was observed. [Conclusion] A proprioceptive circuit exercise may be an effective way to strengthen knee joint muscle function and reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.