Multimodal prehabilitation in elective oncological colorectal surgery enhances preoperative physical fitness: a single center prospective real-world data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery can lead to curation in colorectal cancer (CRC) but is associated with significant morbidity. Prehabilitation plays an important role in increasing preoperative physical fitness to reduce morbidity risk; however, data from real-world practice is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the change in preoperative physical fitness and to evaluate which patients benefit most from prehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-arm prospective cohort study, consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal oncological surgery were offered a 3- to 4-week multimodal prehabilitation program (supervised physical exercise training, dietary consultation, protein and vitamin supplementation, smoking cessation, and psychological support). The primary outcome was the change in preoperative aerobic fitness (steep ramp test (SRT)). Secondary outcomes were the change in functional walking capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT)), and muscle strength (one-repetition maximum (1RM) for various muscle groups). To evaluate who benefit most from prehabilitation, participants were divided in quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) based on baseline performance. RESULTS: In total, 101 patients participated (51.4% male, aged 69.7 ± 12.7 years). The preoperative change in SRT was +28.3 W, +0.36 W/kg, +16.7% (P<0.001). Patients in all quartiles improved at the group level; however, the relative improvement decreased from Q1-Q2, Q2-Q3, and Q3-Q4 (P=0.049). Change in 6MWT was +37.5 m, +7.7% (P<0.001) and 1RM improved with 5.6-33.2 kg, 16.1-32.5% for the various muscle groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Prehabilitation in elective oncological colorectal surgery is associated with enhanced preoperative physical fitness regardless of baseline performance. Improvements were relatively larger in less fit patients.

Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research.

BACKGROUND: College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed. METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.

Diagnosing autism severity associated with physical fitness and gray matter volume in children with autism spectrum disorder: Explainable machine learning method.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness, gray matter volume (GMV), and autism severity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Besides, we sought to diagnose autism severity associated with physical fitness and GMV using machine learning methods. METHODS: Ninety children diagnosed with ASD underwent physical fitness tests, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and autism severity assessments. Diagnosis models were established using extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT) algorithms. Hyperparameters were optimized through the grid search cross-validation method. The shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method was employed to explain the diagnosis results. RESULTS: Our study revealed associations between muscular strength in physical fitness and GMV in specific brain regions (left paracentral lobule, bilateral thalamus, left inferior temporal gyrus, and cerebellar vermis I-II) with autism severity in children with ASD. The accuracy (95 % confidence interval) of the XGB, RF, SVM, and DT models were 77.9 % (77.3, 78.6 %), 72.4 % (71.7, 73.2 %), 71.9 % (71.1, 72.6 %), and 66.9 % (66.2, 67.7 %), respectively. SHAP analysis revealed that muscular strength and thalamic GMV significantly influenced the decision-making process of the XGB model. CONCLUSION: Machine learning methods can effectively diagnose autism severity associated with physical fitness and GMV in children with ASD. In this respect, the XGB model demonstrated excellent performance across various indicators, suggesting its potential for diagnosing autism severity.

Effects of qigong exercise on physical fitness and patient-reported health outcomes in lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a three-month Guolin Qigong (GQ) intervention on physical fitness and patient-reported health outcomes among patients with lung cancer. METHODS: This pilot study was a non-randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants who were over 18 years of age and diagnosed with stage I-IV lung cancer were enrolled in the study and received either the GQ intervention or usual care (UC). Participants in the GQ group performed GQ at least twice a week (one hour per session) for three months. Physical fitness (chair stand, arm curl, sit and reach, back scratch, 8-foot up and go, 6-min walk test) was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, six months, and 12 months. Self-reported quality of life and sleep (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six months. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants (65% females, 59.1 ± 7.0 years old, ranging from 39 to 71 years old) were enrolled in the study, and 25 participants completed all tests at 12-month follow-up (13 in GQ vs. 12 in UC; 68% females, 59.3 ± 5.5 years old). Compared to the UC group, results for the chair stand and arm curl tests improved significantly in the GQ group from baseline to post-intervention (P = 0.024 and P = 0.041, respectively). Similarly, the 8-foot up and go test improved in the GQ group from baseline to post-intervention and 12 months (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008, respectively) when compared to the UC group. Between-group analyses also revealed a statistically significant improvement in global health status/quality of life from baseline to six months (P = 0.018) and quality of sleep from baseline to post-intervention (P = 0.034) in favor of the GQ group. CONCLUSION: GQ had a beneficial effect on lower and upper body strength, locomotor performance (speed, agility, and balance while moving), quality of sleep, and quality of life among lung cancer survivors, but further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200059145).

Effects of Bafa Wubu and He-Style Tai Chi exercise training on physical fitness of overweight male university students: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 12-week Bafa Wubu Tai Chi (BW-TC) and traditional He-style Tai Chi (TH-TC) exercise training on physical fitness parameters in overweight university students and to compare the differences in their effects. A total of 81 overweight male university students were randomly assigned to the BW-TC group (N = 27), the TH-TC group (N = 27), and the control group (CG, N = 27). Upper limb grip strength, wall squat, sitting and reaching, 6-minute walk, single-leg stance, and Y-balance were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of Tai Chi training. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics and assessment parameters among the groups at baseline (p>0.05). Both BW-TC and TH-TC performed Tai Chi exercise program training lasting 12 weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes intervention. The changes in mean scores for the sit-and-reach test were 3.11 cm and 4.52 cm, for the wall squat test were 27.56 s and 36.85 s, and for the 6-minute walk test were 22.93 m and 63.22 m, and Y-balance (p<0.05) significantly increased in both BW-TC and TH-TC groups, while the mean score of single-leg stance significantly decreased (p<0.05). Additionally, compared to the BW-TC group, the TH-TC group showed a significant increase in lower limb strength (13.89 s, p = 0.048) and the distance of the Y-balance test in the left posterior medial direction (4.04 cm, p = 0.031). BW-TC and TH-TC interventions effectively improved physical fitness in overweight university students. However, TH-TC showed superior results in lower limb strength improvement. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200059427 (https://www.chictr.org.cn).

Effects of multi-gravitational suspension-based therapy on posture, physical fitness, quality of life, depression, and sleep quality in women without regular exercise habits.

BACKGROUND: Multi-gravitational suspension-based therapy (M-Gravity) is a comprehensive discipline based on the principles of non-gravity, which serves to increase the quality of life and holistic health of the individual with the rehabilitation content of non-pressure inversion therapy and suspension systems. AIMS: To examine the effects of M-Gravity exercise on posture, physical fitness, quality of life, depression, and sleep quality in women without regular exercise habits. METHODS: This study included 20 women without regular exercise habits, who participated in M-Gravity exercise and 20 women who did not participate in any exercise program. Posture was measured by the New York posture rating chart, flexibility of the hamstring and pectoral muscles were assessed with flexibility tests, and endurance of the core muscles was measured with plank test. Depression levels were measured by Beck Depression Inventory, sleep quality was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Nottingham Health Profile was used to measure the perceived health levels of the subjects. Measurement of the core stability was performed with the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback. Two evaluations were made at baseline and after 4 weeks of exercise program. RESULTS: Although statistically significant results were achieved for all parameters in the M-Gravity group, no differences were observed in the control group between baseline and post-test scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We came to the idea that eight sessions of M-Gravity program may have positive effects on posture, physical fitness and quality of life in women who do not have regular exercise habits.

The effect of time of day on Special Judo Fitness Test in active judokas: Evaluation in terms of chronotype.

The present cross-sectional study aims to examine the effect of time of day on the judo-specific performance in judokas, considering their chronotypes. Twenty-four male judokas participated in the study where the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was administered, and on it, they were divided into morning-type (MT:12-judokas) and evening-type groups (ET:12-judokas). Afterwards, the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) was applied to both groups at three different times (morning: 09:00 h, afternoon: 13:00 h and evening: 17:00 h) with body temperature measured before and after every SJFT performance. As a result, the Group*Test Time interaction significantly affected overall throwing performance during SJFT [F(2,44) = 29.437, p = 0.001, η2p: .572]. Furthermore, a significant time effect was found for the SJFT index [F(2,44) = 5.118, p = 0.010, η2p: .189] and for the Group*Test Time interaction with the mean value of the index [F(2,44) = 24.424, p < 0.001, η2p: .526]. Furthermore, body temperature had a significant time effect [F(2,44) = 301.454, p < 0.001, η2p: .932] and the Group*Test Time interaction [F(2,44) = 5.802, p = 0.006, η2p: .209]. In conclusion, coaches and exercise experts should consider judo athletes' chronotype when planning special training programs to improve judo-specific anaerobic capacity. Furthermore, to minimize the impact of time of day and chronotype on athletes' performance in competitions, it is recommended that MT athletes develop their judo-specific anaerobic capacity in the evening hours, when their performance is lower, while ET athletes should do so in the morning hours when their performance is lower via randori training.

Pilates-mat training and detraining: Effects on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained women.

INTRODUCTION: Pilates-mat is an effective training method to enhance several physiological and fitness parameters, although the effects of pilates-mat detraining on body composition and physical fitness remains largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of pilates-mat training and detraining on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained females. METHODS: Twenty females (age: 45.1 ± 8.7 years) followed an 8-week pilates-mat training program followed by a 3-week detraining period. Measurements performed at the beginning of the training intervention, at the end of the 8-week training program and at the end of the 3-week detraining period and included: anthropometric characteristics, body composition analysis, thigh, hip and waist circumferences, blood pressure, heart rate at rest (HRr), maximum handgrip strength, abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Pilates-mat training significantly decreased body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat and HRr (p < 0.05) but these variables returned to baseline after detraining. Trunk fat, thigh and waist circumferences decreased significantly after training and remained significantly low following detraining (p < 0.05). Abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity increased significantly following pilates-mat training and remained unchanged after detraining (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 8 weeks of pilates-mat training enhanced body composition and physical fitness and these physiological and physical fitness benefits were remained unaltered during the 3-week of pilates-mat detraining period. However, BF% and visceral fat returned to baseline levels following the detraining period suggesting that for maintaining the reduction in BF% and visceral fat a long-period of pilates-mat detraining should be avoided.

12-week concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan (Tai Chi) improve balance, flexibility, and muscular strength of Chinese older women.

Healthy aging is a global goal to enhance the quality of life for older persons. This study evaluated the benefits of 12-week concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan. Healthy Chinese women aged 60 years and above were enrolled to the control (n = 26) and intervention (n = 25) groups. Participants in the intervention group engaged in three exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks, whereas control group engaged in free-living activities. Each exercise session consisted of 20-45 minutes of walking and 20-45 minutes of Yang style 24-form Taijiquan. 12-week exercise improved (p < 0.05) the sit and reach test (within-group mean difference: +5.6 cm; Hedges' g = 0.77), handgrip strength (mean difference: +3.1 kg; g = 0.89), arm curl (mean difference: +2.1 repetitions; g = 0.69), chair stand (mean difference: +2.6 repetitions; g = 0.63), and one-legged standing (mean difference: +2.2 seconds; g = 1.07). There was no improvement in the circulatory health, body composition, or life satisfaction. Therefore, this concurrent brisk walking and Taijiquan training, which targets major whole-body muscle groups, could improve aging-critical flexibility, muscular fitness, and balance in older women. The exercise meets the current WHO guideline, is safe to perform, and could be campaigned as a health promotion for older persons.

The influence of Tai Chi exercise on the subjective well-being in the aged: the mediating role of physical fitness and cognitive function.

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on subjective well-being in the aged. The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received 12-week Tai Chi exercise while the control group maintain their original living habits. The participants' subjective well-being, physical fitness, self-control, and executive function were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise. Results: (1) Tai Chi exercise can positively affect the subjective well-being of the aged (F(1,78) = 37.699, p < 0.001); (2) Tai Chi exercise could affect the subjective well-being in the aged through the independent intermediary of physical fitness (95% CI=[0.115, 0.485]) and self-control (95% CI=[0.109, 0.433]); (3) Tai Chi exercise could indirectly affect the subjective well-being in the aged through the chain mediation of executive function and self-control (95% CI=[0.009, 0.104]). This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of Tai Chi exercise for subjective well-being in the aged.

Effects of Yoga Training Applied with Telerehabilitation on Core Stabilization and Physical Fitness in Junior Tennis Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effects of yoga training applied with telerehabilitation on core stability, and strength, balance, flexibility, upper extremity stability, body awareness, and quality of life in tennis players aged 6-18 years. METHODS: Forty tennis players were randomly divided into two groups to participate in this study. The control group (n = 20) continued tennis training and was informed about the importance of the core region. The yoga group (n = 20) received yoga training with telerehabilitation 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Athletes were evaluated with sport-specific core muscle strength and stability tests, the back scratch test, the sit and reach test, the flamingo balance test, the y-balance test (lower quarter), the upper extremity closed kinetic chain stability test, the SF-36, and body awareness questionnaires. Measurements have been done in the tennis club before and after the 8 weeks of training. RESULTS: A significant increase was determined in core strength and stability, sit and reach, back scratch test, upper extremity stability, and body awareness questionnaire in the yoga group (p < 0.001). Flamingo and Y balance test results were significant (p < 0.002). Positive improvements were found in SF-36s energy-fatigue level, mental well-being, social function (p < 0.042), pain (p < 0.005), and general health (p < 0.001). A significant increase was observed in the core strength measurement mean score in the control group (p < 0.018). Sit and reach test, flamingo test, and body awareness questionnaire were found to be significant after the intervention (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were found in the pain (p < 0.042), and mental well-being (p < 0.001) sub-parameters of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: In the study, it was concluded that yoga training applied with telerehabilitation in tennis players aged 6-18 has a positive effect on core strength, and stabilization, physical fitness parameters, quality of life, and body awareness.Mit dieser Studie sollten die Auswirkungen von Yogatraining in Verbindung mit Telerehabilitation auf Rumpfstabilität, Kraft, Gleichgewicht, Flexibilität, Stabilität der oberen Extremität, Körperwahrnehmung und Lebensqualität bei Tennisspielern im Alter von 6 bis 18 Jahren untersucht werden.Vierzig Tennisspieler wurden randomisiert in zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt und nahmen an der Studie teil. Die Kontrollgruppe (n = 20) führte das Tennistraining fort und wurde über die Bedeutung der Rumpfregion aufgeklärt. Die Yoga-Gruppe (n = 20) erhielt an 2 Tagen pro Woche über 8 Wochen ein Yogatraining mittels Telerehabilitation. Die Sportler wurden mittels sportartspezifischer Tests zur Kraft und Stabilität der Rumpfmuskulatur, dem Back-Scratch-Test, dem Sit-and-Reach-Test, dem Flamingo-Balance-Test, dem Y-Balance-Test (unteres Viertel), dem Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test sowie dem SF-36 und dem Fragebogen zur Körperwahrnehmung beurteilt. Die Messungen wurden im Tennisclub vor und nach dem 8-wöchigen Training durchgeführt.In der Yoga-Gruppe wurde ein signifikanter Anstieg der Rumpfkraft und -stabilität sowie im Sit-and-Reach-Test, Back-Scratch-Test, der Stabilität der oberen Extremität und beim Fragebogen zur Körperwahrnehmung festgestellt (p < 0,001). Die Ergebnisse des Flamingo-Balance-Tests und des Y-Balance-Tests fielen signifikant aus (p < 0,002). Verbesserungen zeigten sich beim SF-36-Score für Energieverlust und Erschöpfung, psychisches Wohlbefinden, soziale Funktion (p < 0,042), Schmerzen (p < 0,005) und allgemeine Gesundheit (p < 0,001). In der Kontrollgruppe war ein signifikanter Anstieg des mittleren Scores der Rumpfkraftmessung zu beobachten (p < 0,018). Der Sit-and-Reach-Test, der Flamingo-Test und der Fragebogen zur Körperwahrnehmung fielen nach der Intervention signifikant aus (p < 0,001). Bei den Unterparametern Schmerz und psychisches Wohlbefinden des SF-36 wurden signifikante Verbesserungen festgestellt (p < 0,042 bzw. p < 0,001).Die Studie kam zu der Schlussfolgerung, dass Yoga-Training bei Anwendung mittels Telerehabilitation bei Tennisspielern im Alter von 6 bis 18 Jahren einen positiven Effekt auf die Rumpfkraft und -stabilisierung, die Parameter der körperlichen Fitness, die Lebensqualität und die Körperwahrnehmung hat.

Effect of Taichi Chuan on health-related physical fitness in adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Taichi Chuan was previously shown to benefit physical health, but the results were inconsistent. The main reason is that the mechanism is not clear and may be interpreted differently. In this systematic review, we analyzed the data obtained from various randomized controlled trials to identify the effectiveness of Taichi Chuan and the mechanism by which it improves the physical health of adults. METHODS: We systematically searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, EBSCO Host, Science Direct, CNKI, Wan-Fang, and VPCS, and obtained 1448 articles for review. The articles were selected following the PICO eligibility criteria. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to interpret the results of the different studies. RESULTS: We included 16 studies in the systematic review. Six of them were of very high quality, ten were of acceptable quality. Overall, the results showed that Taichi Chuan is beneficial to physical fitness, but not all indices supported this statement. Specifically, the effects were significant on Balance (ES = - 0.33; P = 0.02), BMI (ES = - 0.83; P < 0.00001), body fat (ES = - 0.45; P < 0.00001), and vital capacity (ES = 23.39; P = 0.01). However, there were no significant effects on systolic blood pressure (ES = 0.07; P = 0.94) and diastolic blood pressure (ES = 0.03; P = 0.97). CONCLUSION: We found sufficient high-quality evidence to suggest that Taichi Chuan affects balance, BMI, body fat, vital capacity, and flexibility (sit-reach) in adults. The mechanism can be explained by low posture (balance) and moderate intensity of Taichi Chuan. However, no study has explained how to maintain concentration while keeping a dynamic low posture, which made it difficult to validate the finding that Taichi Chuan can reduce sympathetic tension under stress. In this study, we assumed that relaxation methods, which work on the central nervous system that links the body and the mind, might be the key explanation. However, further studies based on scientific, replicable methods need to be performed to confirm our findings.

Effects of fitness on self-reported physical and mental quality of life in professional firefighters: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The work-related stress experienced by firefighters is associated with numerous health issues. In the general population, improving physical fitness is associated with improvements in both mental and physical quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine whether fitter professional firefighters report greater physical and mental quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-three professional firefighters (males = 21, females = 2; age: 36.78±7.12yrs; height: 176.96±5.67 cm; weight: 88.20±16.02 kg; years of service: 8.70±6.62years) volunteered for the study. Participants completed a fitness protocol that included the wall sit and reach, Y-balance test, vertical jump, 1 repetition maximum bench press, pull-ups to failure, push-ups to failure, a plank hold and 1-mile run. The short form 36 questionnaire was used to assess overall quality of life. Firefighters were divided into "high" and "low" groups for physical and mental quality of life. Group differences in fitness parameters were assessed using a multivariate analysis of covariance with gender, age, years of service, height, and body mass as co-variates. RESULTS: Firefighters with lower mental quality of life had lower body fat percentages (p = 0.003), fat mass (p = 0.036), greater fat free mass (p = 0.015), vertical jump height (p = 0.024) and performed more pull-ups (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in any of the fitness measures between high and low physical quality of life groups. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that physical fitness of firefighters is not indicative of overall health. Firefighters might use exercise to cope for psychological stress and a holistic approach to improve firefighter quality of life is recommended.

The Effects of Zinc and Selenium Co-Supplementation on Resting Metabolic Rate, Thyroid Function, Physical Fitness, and Functional Capacity in Overweight and Obese People under a Hypocaloric Diet: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Evidence of the effectiveness of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and physical function parameters in people with overweight and obesity is scarce, while the effects of zinc and selenium on thyroid function and body composition are still a topic of debate and controversy. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was to examine the effects of a hypocaloric diet and Se-Zn co-supplementation on RMR, thyroid function, body composition, physical fitness, and functional capacity in overweight or obese individuals. Twenty-eight overweight-obese participants (mean BMI: 29.4 ± 4.7) were randomly allocated (1:1) to the supplementation group (n = 14, 31.1 ± 5.5 yrs, 9 females) and the placebo group (n = 14, 32.1 ± 4.8 yrs, 6 females). The participants received Zn (25 mg of zinc gluconate/day) and Se (200 mcg of L-selenomethionine/day) or placebo tablets containing starch for eight weeks. The participants of both groups followed a hypocaloric diet during the intervention. RMR, thyroid function, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and functional capacity (sit-to-stand tests, timed up-and-go test, and handgrip strength) were assessed before and after the intervention. A significant interaction was found between supplementation and time on RMR (p = 0.045), with the intervention group's RMR increasing from 1923 ± 440 to 2364 ± 410 kcal/day. On the other hand, no interaction between supplementation and time on the thyroid function was found (p > 0.05). Regarding the effects of Zn/Se co-administration on Se levels, a significant interaction between supplementation and time on Se levels was detected (p = 0.004). Specifically, the intervention group's Se serum levels were increased from 83.04 ± 13.59 to 119.40 ± 23.93 µg/L. However, Zn serum levels did not change over time (90.61 ± 23.23 to 89.58 ± 10.61 umol/L). Even though all body composition outcomes improved in the intervention group more than placebo at the second measurement, no supplement × time interaction was detected on body composition (p > 0.05). Cardiorespiratory fitness did not change over the intervention. Yet, a main effect of time was found for some functional capacity tests, with both groups improving similarly over the eight-week intervention period (p < 0.05). In contrast, a supplement x group interaction was found in the performance of the timed up-and-go test (TUG) (p = 0.010), with the supplementation group improving more. In conclusion, an eight-week intervention with Zn/Se co-supplementation combined with a hypocaloric diet increased the RMR, TUG performance, and Se levels in overweight and obese people. However, thyroid function, Zn levels, body composition, and the remaining outcomes of exercise performance remained unchanged.

Physical conditioning in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP) can be described as a group of permanent non-progressive disorders that occur in the developing fetal or infant brain. Studies have shown that children and adolescents with CP have low cardiorespiratory fitness and higher energy expenditure during daily activities when compared to typical children. Therefore, interventions focused on the physical conditioning of this population could be critical. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of physical conditioning training on distance walked and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in individuals with CP, through a systematic review. METHOD: Two independent researchers performed systematic searches in the PUBMED, SciELO, PEDro, ERIC, and Cochrane databases using the search terms "physical fitness", "aerobic training" or "endurance" combined with "cerebral palsy". INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) population (children and adolescents with CP between 5 and 18 years old); (2) type of study (experimental studies); (3) type of intervention (physical conditioning protocols); (4) outcome (distance walked in the 6 min walking test - 6MWT, and VO2 max). RESULTS: 386 studies were identified and 5 articles were considered eligible. After physical conditioning training, there was an increase of 46.34 m (p = 0.07) and 5.93. ml. kg-1. min -1 (p < 0.001) in the 6MWT and VO2 max, respectively. CONCLUSION: Physical conditioning training appears to be clinically beneficial to the cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents with CP.

Effect of Black Maca Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Physical Fitness in Male Elite Athletes.

Given the current lack of studies, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of black maca supplementation intake on changes in physical strength and inflammatory markers among elite athletes. Forty-four elite athletes were recruited for the present study. They included shooting athletes, racket sports athletes, and fin swimming athletes. The intake capsules contained 2500 mg of 100% concentrated black maca extract. Participants were instructed to take one capsule twice a day for eight weeks with pure water. Changes were seen in the ATP-PC systems and aerobic energy systems, particularly in the fin swimming athletes requiring aerobic energy systems. This effect is caused by increased antioxidant activity and influenced mitochondrial biosynthesis regulatory factors due to black maca supplementation intake. These findings provide preliminary evidence that elite athletes will benefit from taking black maca to improve their inflammation levels and physical fitness.

Anthropometric variability of European taekwondo champions / Variabilidad antropométrica de los campeones europeos de taekwondo

SUMMARY: World Taekwondo (WT) as an Olympic sport gained much more attention than before, and there is a growing need for precise and specific profiles of successful taekwondo competitors. Aim of this investigation was to determine body composition, somatotype, and selected anthropometric parameters/indexes of elite taekwondo champions and medal winners on the most demanding taekwondo tournaments in the World. The sample for this research consisted of n=16 (n=4 male; n=12 female) elite taekwondo champions, n=8 juniors and n=8 seniors, who were European (n=13), and World (n=3) champions of European descent. Data was collected longitudinally for seven years since 2015. Obtained results revealed specific (absolute) phenotype of taekwondo champions, following: PI (11.50 female; 11.85 male), HWR (43.96 female; 44.47 male) and BMI (19.96 female; 22.04 male). Further analysis shows that champions have greater values of body height, and have slightly greater ectomorphy and mesomorphy values in regard to other elite competitors. Presented research is the first publication of referent values for the general anthropometric dataset, and such results represent the anthropometric variability of European WT champions.

World Taekwondo (TW) como deporte olímpico ha logrado una mayor importancia, y existe una creciente necesidad de contar con perfiles precisos y específicos de competidores exitosos de TW. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la composición corporal, el somatotipo y parámetros/índices antropométricos seleccionados de campeones de TW de élite y los ganadores de medallas en los torneos de TW más exigentes del mundo. La muestra para esta investigación consistió en n=16 (n=4 hombres; n=12 mujeres) campeones de TW de élite, n=8 juniors y n=8 seniors, que eran europeos (n=13) y mundiales (n=3), campeones de ascendencia europea. Los datos se recopilaron longitudinalmente durante siete años desde 2015. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron un fenotipo específico (absoluto) de los campeones de TW, a continuación: PI (11,50 mujeres; 11,85 hombres), HWR (43,96 mujeres; 44,47 hombres) e IMC (19,96 mujeres; 22,04 hombres). Un análisis más detallado muestra que los campeones tienen mayores valores de altura corporal y tienen valores de ectomorfia y mesomorfia ligeramente mayores con respecto a otros competidores de élite. La investigación presentada es la primera publicación de valores de referencia para el conjunto de datos antropométricos generales, y dichos resultados representan la variabilidad antropométrica de los campeones europeos de TW.

The Impact of Physical Exercises with Elements of Dance Movement Therapy on Anthropometric Parameters and Physical Fitness among Functionally Limited Older Nursing Home Residents.

Changes in the composition of the body mass of functionally limited older patients may contribute to a decrease in functional fitness and the development of chronic diseases. This research aimed to assess the differences in anthropometric parameters and physical fitness of older patients, over the age of 65, in a 12-week clinical intervention study. Method: The study participants were nursing home inhabitants aged 65-85 who were functionally limited. Persons meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to one of the three groups: Group 1-basic exercises/BE group (n = 56); Group 2-physical exercises with elements of dancing/PED group (n = 57); Group 3-control group/CO group (n = 56) routine care. The data were collected at the beginning of the study and at the 12-week mark. The outcome was observed for hand grip strength (HGS), arm curl test (ACT), Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), triceps skin fold (TSF), waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), and arm muscle area (AMA). Results: The study included 98 women and 71 men. The average age of the participants was 74.40 years. The analysis of the effects of the 12-week exercise program showed the greatest changes in HGS, ACT, and BI in the exercise groups, especially in the PED group compared to the BE group. Statistically significant differences in the examined parameters of the PED vs. BE vs. CO groups were demonstrated in favour of the exercising groups. In conclusion, a 12-week program of group physical exercises, both PED and BE, improves physical fitness indicators and anthropometric indicators.

The effects of qigong intervention based on the Internet on quality of life and physical fitness in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients: a protocol of randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to verify the improvement of remote qigong intervention on the quality of life and physical fitness of breast cancer patients after surgery by means of a randomized controlled trial and to compare it with the conventional exercise combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. METHODS/DESIGN: The research approach applied in this study is a randomized controlled trial. After completing the baseline questionnaire and physical fitness test, participants were randomly assigned to either the qigong group or the combined exercise rehabilitation group. Patients in the qigong group performed Qigong-Baduanjin twice a week for 30 min each time under remote guidance and practiced Baduanjin by themselves at other times. Patients in the combined exercise rehabilitation group were given resistance training twice a week for 30 min under remote guidance, and walking the rest of the time. At the end of the 12-week intervention, outcomes testing and data collection were carried out. The primary outcomes are quality of life, measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FATC-B). The secondary outcomes include cardiopulmonary endurance, upper limb strength, lower limb strength, and skinfold thickness. DISCUSSION: The importance of postoperative exercise rehabilitation for breast cancer has been gradually accepted by more and more doctors and patients, but further research and development of simple and practical means of exercise rehabilitation are necessary. Remote qigong intervention for breast cancer patients via the Internet will be a great alternative. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027989. Registered on December 7, 2019.