The effects of strengthening exercises for wrist flexors and extensors on muscle strength and counter-stroke performance in amateur table tennis players.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of strengthening exercises on wrist flexor and extensor strength, hand grip strength, and counter-stroke performance. Thirty amateur table tennis players were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups: the control and the training group (n = 15/group). Pre- and post-data were collected. The training group performed home exercises for six weeks using a bucket filled with water, while the controls were asked to keep their lifestyle as usual. The general characteristics were no significant differences. The training group showed significantly higher levels of wrist flexor and extensor strength than the control group (p < 0.05). However, the difference in hand grip strength was not statistically significant. Both groups showed significant improvement in counter-stroke performance (p < 0.05), however, there was no difference between the groups. In conclusion, specific strengthening exercises increase wrist flexor and extensor strength, but they have no effect on either hand grip strength or counter-stroke performance.

Effect of yoga on the menstrual pain, physical fitness, and quality of life of young women with primary dysmenorrhea.

The aim of the present study was to investigate effect of specially designed yoga program on the menstrual pain, physical fitness, and quality of life (QOL) of non-athlete women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) aged 18-22 years. Thirty-four volunteers were randomly assigned into control and yoga groups. Menstrual pain, physical fitness, and QOL were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 12-week study period. The yoga group was asked to practice yoga for 30 min per day, twice a week, for 12 weeks at home, while the control group did not receive any form of exercise over the study period. There were significant improve in menstrual pain, physical fitness, and QOL in the yoga group more than the control group. Therefore, this specially designed yoga program may be a possible complementary treatment for PD.