Workplace exercise program in a hospital environment: an effective strategy for the promotion of employees physical and mental health. A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The demanding and exhausting working hours, as well as the bad and unsuitable working conditions that prevail in several hospitals, affect employees' physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a daily 6-week supervised workplace exercise program on health indices, functional capacity, overall fitness, subjective vitality, and life satisfaction in health professionals. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was used. 50 health professionals (40-55 years), working in a hospital environment, were divided into two groups: exercise (EG) and control group (CG). EG performed a 6-week supervised concurrent chair-based exercise program (stretching, strength, balance exercises, aerobic dance; 5 days/week, 30-40 min/day, 2 workouts/day lasted 15-20 min) in the hospital. Health indices (body composition, blood pressure, respiratory function), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), physical fitness (strength, cardiorespiratory fitness), subjective vitality, and life satisfaction were measured before and after the completion of the program. Additionally, after the completion of the program, EG participants' enjoyment was assessed. RESULTS: EG significantly increased (p < 0.001) lean body mass and respiratory function (range of mean increase 3.5-4.5%, depending on the variable), functional capacity (range of mean increase 18-40%, depending on the variable), lower and upper libs maximal strength (range of mean increase 10-25%, depending on the variable), subjective vitality (41.3%) and life satisfaction (21.5%); while significantly decreased (p < 0.001) heart rate during submaximal test (- 14%), body fat and blood pressure (range of mean decrease - 3.5% to - 5.5%, depending on the variable). In CG, all the above variables did not change. Furthermore, a great percentage of employees (95%) reported high levels of enjoyment. CONCLUSION: A workplace exercise program may be safely used for the promotion of employees' physical and mental health.

The Effect of a Surface Combat Swimming Training Program on Swimming Performance.

In this study the effect of a surface combat swimming (sCS) training program on performance in freestyle swimming and sCS was examined. Forty-five officer cadets were divided into three equivalent groups: a control group (CG), a group that was trained only with a swimsuit and fins (SF), and a group that was trained with combat uniform and equipment (UE). Groups SF and UE followed a 60-min training program with sCS for 4 weeks, 4 times per week. Before and after the training program all groups performed 4×50 and 400-m freestyle swimming, 250-m sCS with a uniform and equipment, 350-m with a swimsuit and fins, and 300-m with a swimsuit. The UE group showed improved performance in 4×50-m (mean±SD 14±9 s) and in 250-m sCS (24±14 s) (p<0.01). Both the SF group and the UE group improved in 300-m sCS, in 350-m sCS and in 400-m freestyle (p<0.05). We conclude that the training adaptations seemed to be specific, not only with regard to the activity performed, but also in terms of the actual conditions of an operation, which also include equipment.

An enjoyable school-based swimming training programme improves students' aquaticity.

AIM: The main objectives of this research were to a) examine the test-retest reliability of aquaticity test (study 1), b) investigate the efficacy of 'swimming lesson', during the physical education course, in the aquaticity (study 2) and c) examine enjoyment from the 'swimming lesson' (study 3) in primary school students of the 3rd grade. METHODS: In the first study, 23 students performed 2 assessment sessions for the evaluation of aquaticity, separated by 1 week. In the second study, 30 students followed a short-term swimming training programme (9 sessions). Before and after the programme, students' aquaticity was assessed. In the third study, enjoyment was examined in 273 students who followed the short-term swimming programme. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability for the assessment of students' aquaticity was high (ICC = 0.87-0.99). Paired t tests, also, revealed significant improvement (28-62.7%) in the aquaticity of the children following the swimming programme. A great percentage of students reported high levels of enjoyment (92.2%). CONCLUSION: A short-term swimming programme, incorporated into the physical education course, is an enjoyable exercise modality that may be used for the improvement of children's aquaticity. We, also, found that the testing protocol may be reliably used for the evaluation of aquaticity in the paediatric population.

Strength Training Induces Greater Increase in Handgrip Strength than Wrestling Training per se.

This study investigated the effectiveness of a specialized strength training program on maximal handgrip strength in young wrestlers. 72 young wrestlers (36 children: 8-10 years-old and 36 adolescents:13-15 years-old) participated in the present study. Both age-categories were assigned into a training group (18 children and 18 adolescents) and a control group (18 children and 18 adolescents). The training groups, in conjunction with the wrestling training performed a 4-month (2 sessions/week) specialized handgrip training program. Maximal handgrip strength was evaluated pre, at the intermediate (2 months) and at the completion of the program (4 months). Maximal handgrip strength values increased during the intermediate and post-training measurements compared to pre-training measurement in training and control groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed on pre-training and intermediate measurements between groups, while significant differences were observed during the post-training measurement. Training group exhibited significantly (p<0.01) greater maximal handgrip strength values than the control group irrespective of age-category and hand-preference. A 4-month handgrip strength training program, incorporated into the conventional wrestling training, provokes greater adaptations in maximal handgrip strength than the wrestling training per se. For greater handgrip training adaptations are required more than 14 specialized handgrip training-sessions.

Can sport-specific training affect vertical jumping ability during puberty?

Vertical jumping ability (VJ) is an important component for successful performance in various team sports such as volleyball, basketball, and soccer. There is evidence that the sport-specific training in these sports may affect the development of VJ throughout the developmental years. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the sport-related effect (volleyball, basketball, soccer) on vertical jumping ability (VJ) and on the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) during puberty. 320 boys (12-15 years old) - 80 basketball players (BP), 80 soccer players (SP), 80 volleyball players (VP) and 80 non-athletes (NA) - participated in the present study. VJ was evaluated by the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, and the contribution of SSC was calculated. The SJ and CMJ were significantly higher in VP vs. NA at the age of 12 years old and significantly greater in all sports vs. NA at the age of 13, 14 and 15 years. Furthermore, 15-year-old VP demonstrated significantly higher SJ and CMJ compared with BP and SP (p<0.01), whereas no differences were observed between BP and SP (p>0.05). Finally, pairwise comparisons revealed non-significant sport- and age-related differences (p > .05) in SSC. The pattern of age-related increase in VJ is different between athletes and non-athletes during puberty. Furthermore, sport-specific training adaptations are evident at the age of 15 years old where VP demonstrate greater VJ than BP and SP, while in younger age groups, there are no significant differences in VJ between athletes of different sports.

Effects of whole-body vibration training frequency on neuromuscular performance: a randomized controlled study.

This study compared the efficacy of two whole-body vibration (WBV) protocols with equal training volume and different frequency of training sessions/week on body composition and physical fitness. Sixty male air force cadets (age: 20.5±1.4 years) were randomly assigned to a lower frequency (Lf-WBV), a higher frequency (Hf-WBV) or a control group (CG). The training volume was equated (20 training sessions) between the two WBV groups, but the number of weekly training sessions was different. The Lf-WBV group trained three times per week, the Hf-WBV group trained five times per week, while the CG did not perform any training. Each training session, for both groups, included 10 sets x 1 min with 1 min rest of WBV on a synchronous vibration platform (25-35 Hz, 4-6 mm). Body composition, flexibility, maximal strength, 30 m sprint time, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, Wingate test performance, and 20 m shuttle run performance were evaluated before and after training. Only the Hf-WBV group demonstrated an increase in flexibility (+7%; p<0.01; d=0.33) and maximal strength (+10%; p=0.016; d= 0.59), and a significant reduction in fat mass (-6.2%; p<0.01; d=0.21). SJ performance improved to a similar extent in both Hf-WBV and Lf-WBV groups (+7%; p<0.01; d=0.32). There were no changes in any parameter in the CG. In conclusion, only the condensed weekly WBV protocol was effective in improving body composition, flexibility, lower limb strength and power in young active individuals. The WBV protocol with the higher dispersion of training sessions per week (lower training frequency/week) improved SJ performance but did not have any effect on body composition, flexibility, or maximal strength.

Static and Dynamic Handgrip Strength Endurance: Test-Retest Reproducibility.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the reliability of static and dynamic handgrip strength endurance using different protocols and indicators for the assessment of strength endurance. METHODS: Forty young, healthy men and women (age, 18-22 years) performed 2 handgrip strength endurance protocols: a static protocol (sustained submaximal contraction at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction) and a dynamic one (8, 10, and 12 maximal repetitions). The participants executed each protocol twice to assess the test-retest reproducibility. Total work and total time were used as indicators of strength endurance in the static protocol; the strength recorded at each maximal repetition, the percentage change, and fatigue index were used as indicators of strength endurance in the dynamic protocol. RESULTS: The static protocol showed high reliability irrespective of sex and hand for total time and work. The 12-repetition dynamic protocol exhibited moderate-high reliability for repeated maximal repetitions and percentage change; the 8- and 10-repetition protocols demonstrated lower reliability irrespective of sex and hand. The fatigue index was not a reliable indicator for the assessment of dynamic handgrip endurance. CONCLUSIONS: Static handgrip endurance can be measured reliably using the total time and total work as indicators of strength endurance. For the evaluation of dynamic handgrip endurance, the 12-repetition protocol is recommended, using the repeated maximal repetitions and percentage change as indicators of strength endurance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Practitioners should consider the static (50% maximal voluntary contraction) and dynamic (12 repeated maximal repetitions) protocols as reliable for the assessment of handgrip strength endurance. The evaluation of static endurance in conjunction with dynamic endurance would provide more complete information about hand function.

Exaggerated haemodynamic and neural responses to involuntary contractions induced by whole-body vibration in normotensive obese versus lean women.

What is the central question of this study? In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure response to voluntary exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. We examined whether involuntary contractions elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of blood pressure in normotensive obese versus lean women. What is the main finding and its importance? During involuntary contractions induced by whole-body vibration, there were augmented blood pressure and spontaneous baroreflex responses in obese compared with lean women. This finding is suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise-induced hypertensive response in obesity. Passive contractions did not elicit differential heart rate responses in obese compared with lean women, implying other mechanisms for the blunted heart rate response reported during voluntary exercise in obesity. In obesity, the exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise is linked to hypertension, yet the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we examined whether involuntary mechanical oscillations, induced by whole-body vibration (WBV), elicit greater haemodynamic responses and altered neural control of BP in obese versus lean women. Twenty-two normotensive, premenopausal women (12 lean and 10 obese) randomly underwent a passive WBV (25 Hz) and a control protocol (similar posture without WVB). Beat-by-beat BP, heart rate, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, parasympathetic output (evaluated by heart rate variability) and spontaneous baroreceptor sensitivity (sBRS) were assessed. We found that during WBV, obese women exhibited an augmented systolic BP response compared with lean women that was correlated with body fat percentage (r = 0.77; P < 0.05). The exaggerated BP rise was driven mainly by the greater increase in cardiac output index in obese versus lean women, associated with a greater stroke volume index in obese women. Involuntary contractions did not elicit a differential magnitude of responses in heart rate, heart rate variability indices and systemic vascular resistance in obese versus lean women; however, they did result in greater sBRS responses (P < 0.05) in obese women. In conclusion, involuntary contractions elicited an augmented BP and sBRS response in normotensive obese versus lean women. The greater elevations in circulatory haemodynamics in obese women are suggestive of an overactive mechanoreflex in the exercise-induced hypertensive response in obesity.

A Comprehensive Workplace Exercise Intervention to Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain and Improve Functional Capacity in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The high levels of musculoskeletal pain, in conjunction with the low levels of functional capacity, may negatively affect workers' health, efficiency, and productivity. This randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of a 6-month comprehensive workplace exercise program on musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity in office workers. Seventy male and female office workers with musculoskeletal pain in any body area were randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG; n = 35) or a control group (CG; n = 35). The IG participated every working day (during working hours) in a 6-month supervised combined (flexibility, strength, and balance) exercise program (120 training sessions; five times/week) for the total body. The CG did not participate in any intervention. Musculoskeletal pains in nine body areas and functional capacity (flexibility, balance, and strength) of the lower and upper body were measured before and following the intervention. The IG significantly reduced duration and intensity of pain (43.1-70%; p = 0.000) as well as days of work absenteeism (84.6%; p = 0.000), while improving work capacity (87.1%; p = 0.000). Furthermore, the IG significantly increased cervical, handgrip, back, and leg maximal strength (10.3-27.1%; p = 0.000) and flexibility and balance (12.3-73.7%; p = 0.000). In CG, all musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity indices remained unchanged. In conclusion, this program may be effectively used to reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve functional capacity.

An Effective and Playful Way of Practicing Online Motor Proficiency in Preschool Children.

The children's fairytale is a playful educational tool that can be modified in such a way to enhance motor proficiency. This study investigated the effect of an online exercise program with modified fairytales on children's motor proficiency during the kindergarten curriculum. Forty preschool children (20 girls and 20 boys; 5.13 ± 0.24 years old) were divided into two equal groups: an intervention (IG) group and a control group (CG). The IG followed a 3-month (3 times/week) online exercise intervention program (supervised by the class's kindergarten teacher) with modified children's fairytales, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an aim to improve their motor proficiency. The CG did not attend any exercise intervention program. The Democritos Movement Screening Tool for Preschool Children (DEMOST-PRE), consisting of ten tests, was used to assess the children's motor proficiency. Τhe IG, after the end of the intervention program, significantly improved in the DEMOST-PRE total score (p < 0.001; mean change: 40.7%), while the CG did not significantly improve in the total score (p > 0.05). Furthermore, in the IG, a significant negative correlation between the pre-training DEMOST-PRE total score and the percentage change following the intervention (r = -0.64; p = 0.002) was observed. A modified exercise program using children's fairytales may be incorporated into the kindergarten curriculum as an effective educational tool for the improvement of motor proficiency.

A 3-Month Modified Basketball Exercise Program as a Health-Enhancing Sport Activity for Middle-Aged Individuals.

Recreational team sports have received great acceptance lately, in different populations, indicating encouraging results in health-related quality of life. This study examined the efficacy of a 3-month basketball exercise program on selected indices of health (body mass-BM, body fat-BF, blood pressure-BP), functional capacity (flexibility of lower and upper limbs, balance), and physical fitness (maximum strength of lower limbs, trunk and handgrip, aerobic capacity) in middle-aged individuals. Forty middle-aged individuals (males and females; 40-55 years old) were randomly divided into (a) exercise (EG; n = 20) and (b) control groups (CG; n = 20). The EG followed a 3-month modified basketball exercise program (2 times/week; 24 training units), including different basketball drills with and without the ball (dribbling, passing, pivot, stops, etc.), to improve participants' health and physical fitness. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the EG significantly increased their flexibility (17.23-74.88%; p < 0.001), static balance (44.76-54.69%; p < 0.001), and strength of lower limbs and trunk (11.67-13.13%; p < 0.001), while reducing BP (7.31-12%; p < 0.001), heart rate and RPE (5.30-34.37%; p < 0.001), and time during time-up-and-go test (-10.91%; p < 0.001). Handgrip strength, BM, and BF did not change following the program in the EG (p > 0.05). In the CG, the above variables remained stable. In conclusion, this program may be used to eliminate the detrimental effects of aging on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness parameters.

Reliability of maximal handgrip strength test in pre-pubertal and pubertal wrestlers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intersession and the intrasession reliability of maximal handgrip strength test in young wrestlers. Twenty-seven prepubertal (9.49 ± 0.96 yrs) and twenty-seven pubertal (14.60 ± 0.50 yrs) male wrestlers performed two assessment sessions separated by one day. Both assessments included a testing protocol consisted of three maximal isometric contractions, on both hands using a hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar). The intersession and intrasession reliability was high for both prepubertal and pubertal wrestlers (ICC = 0.87-0.99). The single trial as well as the best of two and three trials of handgrip strength were slightly less reliable (ICC = 0.87-0.94) than the mean of two and three trials in prepubertal (ICC = 0.95-0.97). The present results indicate that maximum handgrip strength can be measured reliably, using the Jamar dynamometer, in young wrestlers. A single trial as well as the two trials can be used as reliable, less-tiring and less time-consuming methods for the evaluation of handgrip strength than the three trials.

Age-related differences in peak handgrip strength between wrestlers and nonathletes during the developmental years.

This study examined the development of peak handgrip strength from childhood to adulthood in wrestlers (n = 122) and nonathlete controls (n = 122). The effect of hand preference on handgrip strength and the relationship of anthropometrical characteristics with handgrip strength in wrestlers and controls were also evaluated. Participants were assigned into age groups: children, young adolescents, late adolescents, and adults. Body height and mass, hand dimensions (length, span, and width), and absolute handgrip (in kilograms) were measured. Handgrip strength was similar in wrestlers and controls in the younger age groups (i.e., in children and young adolescents), whereas late adolescent and adult wrestlers exhibited significantly greater peak handgrip strength (p < 0.05) than their control peers. Nonathletes older than 15 years demonstrated an approximately 10% greater peak handgrip strength (p < 0.05) with their preferred hand compared with the nonpreferred hand. In contrast, late adolescent and adult wrestlers exhibited similar handgrip strength with both hands. Peak handgrip strength exhibited a significant linear correlation with all the anthropometric measures examined; however, a higher percentage in the variation in peak handgrip strength was explained by body height and hand length than the other anthropometric variables in both groups. In conclusion, wrestlers exhibit a sport-specific pattern of handgrip strength changes during the developmental years. Body height and hand length exhibited the strongest correlations with handgrip strength during the developmental years in wrestlers and in controls. The training adaptations of wrestling resulted in symmetrical handgrip strength development in both hands at late adolescence and adulthood. These data serve to provide a descriptive profile of handgrip strength in wrestlers, to assist both coaches and health professionals for talent selection and/or development of training programs for performance enhancement and rehabilitation.

Does Obesity Affect Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Adaptations after a 3-Month Combined Exercise Program in Untrained Premenopausal Middle-Aged Women?

Previous studies indicated different acute adaptations between obese and lean individuals, while there is limited information with conflicting results regarding long-term adaptations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a 3-month integrated combined training between obese and lean middle-aged untrained premenopausal women. In total, 72 women (36 obese/36 lean) were divided into four groups: (a) obese exercise (OB-EG), (b) obese control (OB-CG), (c) lean exercise (L-EG), and (d) lean control (L-CG). The exercise groups followed a 3-month (3 times/week) integrated combined aerobic and strength training program. Health indices (body composition, body circumferences, blood pressure, respiratory function), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (strength, aerobic capacity) were measured before and after the 3-month time period. Participants' enjoyment was also assessed following the program. OB-EG and L-EG significantly improved (p < 0.05) similarly across all functional capacity and physical fitness indices (10-76%; depending on the evaluation index), except balance and strength indices of the non-preferred limb where OB-EG showed greater improvement (reducing the existing pre-training strength/balance asymmetries) than L-EG. Furthermore, both obese and lean individuals showed similarly high levels of enjoyment. This program could be effectively used in fitness settings causing similar neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in obese and lean women.

A comprehensive wellness profile in sedentary office employees: Health, musculoskeletal pains, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important steps for the successful designing, execution, and sustainability of a workplace wellness program is the evaluation stage. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to create a comprehensive wellness profile through selected and reliable testing protocols used for the evaluation of health, functional capacity, and physical fitness in office employees. METHODS: One hundred office employees (32-55year-old) were evaluated to create a comprehensive wellness profile. Health indices (body composition, blood pressure, respiratory function, lipidemic profile), musculoskeletal pains, functional capacity, physical fitness (cervical, handgrip, back, leg strength, cardiorespiratory fitness), and lifestyle behaviors (physical activity levels, viewing habits, smoking, alcohol consumption) were measured. Thirty of the participants performed two assessment sessions to examine the reliability of functional capacity and physical fitness indices. RESULTS: A significant proportion of employees were overweight (40.7%) and obese (18.5%). The largest percentage of employees (78%) presented musculoskeletal problems in various areas of the body (higher rates in lower back, neck, and/or hip). A large percentage of the employees (40-65%) showed low-moderate levels in selected indices of health, physical activity (<6000 steps/day), functional capacity and physical fitness, and high levels of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The test-retest reliability for the assessment of functional capacity and physical fitness profile was high for all testing variables (ICC = 0.92-0.99; SEM%  = 2.5-4.5). CONCLUSION: The testing protocols are reliable and can be used in conjunction with the reference values created to evaluate selected health and wellness indicators in office-employees.

Sport-Related Effect on Knee Strength Profile during Puberty: Basketball vs. Soccer.

The present study examined and compared the isokinetic peak torque and the reciprocal ratios of the knee joint between young basketball and soccer players. An amount of 100 soccer and 100 basketball players took part in this study and were separated into five equal groups (n = 20), according to their chronological age (12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 years old). The absolute concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) peak torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles (at 60°/s, 180°/s) were assessed using a Cybex Norm dynamometer, and the relative peak torque (per unit of body mass), as well as the conventional (CON/CON; ECC/ECC) and functional (CON/ECC; ECC/CON) ratios, were calculated. Data analysis indicated that the basketball players had higher absolute peak torque values than the soccer players throughout their developmental ages (p < 0.05). When the isokinetic peak torque values were normalized relative to body mass, no differences were observed between basketball and soccer players in any age group (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in conventional and functional ratios between soccer and basketball players (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that, during developmental ages (12-16 years old), the isokinetic strength profile (independent of body mass affecting absolute values) of knee extensor and flexor muscles develops similarly in basketball and soccer players.

The Reliability of Linear Speed with and without Ball Possession of Pubertal Soccer Players.

Reliable fitness tests with low day-to-day and trial-to-trial variation are a prerequisite for tracking a player's performance or for identifying meaningful changes in training interventions. The present study examined the inter- and intra-session reliability of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession as well as the reliability of a specific performance index of pubertal soccer players. A total of 40 pubertal (14.87 ± 1.23 years old) male soccer players performed two testing sessions (test-retest) separated by 72 h. Both testing sessions included a protocol consisting of two maximal trials of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession. A performance index, indicating the difference between the two speed tests, was also calculated using two different equations (delta value and percentage value). The relative and absolute inter-session reliabilities were good/high for all testing variables (ICC = 0.957-0.995; SEM% = 0.62-8.83). There were also good/high relative and absolute intra-session reliabilities observed for all testing variables (ICC = 0.974-0.987; SEM% = 1.26-6.70%). According to the Bland-Altman plots, the differences between test-retest and trials for all observations were within the defined 95% limits of agreement. The reliable testing protocols and performance index for the evaluation of linear speed with and without ball possession, observed in this study, may be used in speed monitoring and training planning of pubertal soccer players.

Impact of Warm-Up on Muscle Temperature and Athletic Performance.

Purpose: We performed two studies to investigate: the minute-by-minute changes in muscle temperature following a 20-min warm-up routine (Study-1) and the impact of the typical post-warm-up period of inactivity on the performance of basketball athletes (Study-2). Method: In Study-1, 26 males (age: 23.6 ± 6.2 yr; BMI: 24.1 ± 3.1 kg/m2) performed a 20-min cycling warm-up and then rested for 20 min. Tibialis anterior muscle temperature was assessed throughout. In Study-2, six male professional basketball players (age: 24.9 ± 4.6 yr; BMI: 25.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2) performed a series of basketball performance tests after a 20-min warm-up, as well as 9-min and 23-min into a post-warm-up period of inactivity. Results: On average, muscle temperature increased by 0.1°C every minute during warm-up and dropped by the same amount every minute during inactivity. The increase during warm-up and the decrease during inactivity were higher at the start of each period. A 9-min inactivity period is accompanied by 3.8 ± 0.6% reduction in countermovement jump (p = .046). A 23-min inactivity period is accompanied by 7.3 ± 0.7% reduction in lay-up points (p = .027). Conclusion: These two studies show that a 20-min warm-up routine increases muscle temperature but this benefit is lost after a typical post-warm-up inactivity period in high-level basketball, leading to reductions in certain aspects of athletic performance.

Warm-up increases muscle temperature and benefits performance, but it is not clear how long these benefits are active for.In sports, such as basketball, athletes may stay on the bench for a considerable amount of time post warm-up, and then are required to enter the game and perform at maximum intensity despite that they may have cooled down, posing an important knowledge gap for athletes, coaches, and event organizers.We found that muscle temperature increases, on average, by 0.1°C every minute during a 20-min warm-up routine and drops by the same amount every minute during a 20-min post-warm-up inactivity period.In total, the two studies presented in this article show that a warm-up routine increases muscle temperature, but this benefit is lost after a typical post-warm-up period of inactivity in high-level basketball, leading to reductions in certain aspects of athletic performance.

A Chair-Based Music-Kinetic Combined Exercise Program as an Alternative Approach for Increasing Health, Functional Capacity, and Physical Fitness Indices in Middle-Aged Pre-Menopausal Women.

Lately, chairs have been widely used as a cheap, easily accessible, safe, and effective training means in different settings (e.g., in gyms, the house, workplaces, and in rehabilitation). This study investigated the effectiveness of a 10-week chair-based music-kinetic integrated combined exercise program on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indicators of middle-aged pre-menopausal women. A total of 40 healthy women (40-53 years) were assigned to two groups: exercise (EG) and control (CG). The EG followed a 10-week (3 times/weekly; 30 training sessions) chair-based exercise program including aerobic dance, flexibility, coordination, and strength exercises with body weight or auxiliary means. Selected indicators of health, functional capacity, and physical fitness were evaluated before and after the 10 weeks. Following the program, the EG significantly reduced their body fat (-2.5%), blood pressure (by -4.5 to -5.5%), the time during the timed up-and-go (TUG) test (by -10.27%), heart rate (by -6.35 to -13.78%), and the rate of perceived exertion (by -24.45 to -25.88%), while increasing respiratory function (3.5-4%), flexibility (12.17%), balance (50.38-51.07%), maximal handgrip strength (10-12.17%), and endurance strength (43.87-55.91%). The chair-based combined music-kinetic exercise program was effective and could be safely used in different settings to improve health, functional capacity, and physical fitness in middle-aged women.

An Enjoyable Workplace Combined Exercise Program for Health Promotion in Trained Employees: Yoga, Pilates, and Circuit Strength Training.

Corporate wellness has become an important public health priority through the designing and implementation of different workplace exercise interventions. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (a) the effectiveness of a 4-month workplace combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program (outside work shift) on health indices, functional capacity, and physical fitness in office employees; and (b) the employees' enjoyment following the program. Fifty physically active office employees (26-55 years old) were equally divided into training (TG) and control groups (CG). The TG followed a 4-month (3 times/week, 50-60 min/training) combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program. Health indices (body composition, body mass, circumferences, musculoskeletal pains), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (strength, aerobic capacity) were measured before and after the 4-month time period. After the completion of the program, the TG participants' enjoyment was assessed. The TG significantly improved (p < 0.001) all health, functional capacity (11.3-82.0%), and physical fitness indices (33.9%), except for aerobic capacity, which did not change (p > 0.05). Furthermore, a great percentage of employees (84%) reported high levels of enjoyment. This program could be effectively and safely used in workplace settings as an enjoyable intervention to improve specific health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices in office employees.