The effect of resistance training on markers of immune function and inflammation in previously sedentary women recovering from breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effects of resistance training (RT) on markers of inflammation and immune function in breast cancer survivors. Thirty-nine breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to a RT (n = 20) or control (n = 19) group. RT performed supervized exercise three times per week. Natural killer cell (NK) and natural killer T-cell (NKT) function, and markers of inflammation (serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP) were measured before and after training. Changes in NK and NKT cell function were analyzed using ANCOVA, with the change score the dependent variable, and the baseline value of the same variable the covariate. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated via partial eta-squared. We found a significant reduction, and large associated ESs, in the RT group compared to the control group for change in NK cell expression of TNF-α (p = 0.005, ES = 0.21) and NKT cell expression of TNF-α (p = 0.04, ES = 0.12). No differences were observed in any serum marker. Significant improvements in all measurements of strength were found in RT compared to control (p < 0.001; large ESs ranging from 0.32 to 0.51). These data demonstrate that RT has a beneficial effect on the NK and NKT cell expression of TNF-α indicating that RT may be beneficial in improving the inflammatory profile in breast cancer survivors.

Bone mass in young women is dependent on lean body mass.

Relationships between bone mineral density (BMD) and body mass, height, fat mass, and lean mass have been reported. This study examined the relationship between body size and composition on bone density in young premenopausal women. In this study, a cross-sectional design was used. Seventy-one healthy women aged between 24 and 36 yr selected to have a wide range of boy habitus (mean body mass index, 22.7+/-3.0) underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body bone density scan (Hologic QDR 2000). Their bone density and soft tissue body composition and anthropometric parameters (skinfolds, girths, limb lengths, bone breadths, height, and body mass) were analyzed, and their body composition was assessed by underwater weighing (UWW). Bone-free lean mass (BFLM) determined by DXA was correlated with both bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD (r=0.74, p<0.001; r=0.48, p<0.001, respectively). In addition, fat-free mass (FFM) determined by UWW was correlated with BMC and BMD (r=0.80, p<0.001; r=0.48, p<0.001, respectively). Controlling for height in the model removed most of the correlations with whole-body BMD, with the exception of FFM, BFLM, and shoulder breadth (r=0.39, p<0.001; r=0.37, p<0.01; and r=0.34, p<0.01, respectively). No correlation was found between fat mass by DXA, UWW, and sum of skinfolds and BMD. These results indicate that bone mass in premenopausal women is dependent on lean body mass.

The feasibility and effectiveness of high-intensity boxing training versus moderate-intensity brisk walking in adults with abdominal obesity: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed on exercise cycle or treadmill is considered safe and often more beneficial for fat loss and cardiometabolic health than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week boxing training (HIIT) intervention compared with an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT) in obese adults. METHODS: Men and women with abdominal obesity and body mass index >25 kg/m(2) were randomized to either a boxing group or a brisk walking (control) group for 12 weeks. Each group engaged in 4 training sessions per week, equated for total physical activity. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rates, assessment of training intensities, adherence and adverse events. Effectiveness was assessed pre and post intervention via pertinent obesity-, cardiovascular-, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen individuals expressed an interest and 63% (n = 12) consented. Recruitment was slower than anticipated (1.3 participants/week). The boxing group trained at a significantly higher intensity each week versus the brisk walking group (p < 0.05). Two participants in the boxing group experienced an adverse event; both continued to exercise with modifications to the exercise program. No other adverse events were noted. The boxing group attended more sessions (79% vs. 55%) and had a lower attrition rate (n = 0 vs. n = 2) than the walking group. Analysis of covariance revealed that the boxing group significantly improved body fat percentage (p = 0.047), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), augmentation index (AIx; p < 0.001), absolute VO2max (p = 0.015), and Physical Functioning (p = 0.042) and Vitality (p = 0.024) domains of HRQoL over time. The walking group did not improve any clinical outcomes, and experienced a worsening of Vitality (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Boxing training (HIIT) in adults with abdominal obesity is feasible and may elicit a better therapeutic effect on obesity, cardiovascular, and HRQoL outcomes than an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT). Robustly designed randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and inform clinical guidelines and practice for obesity treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12615000007538.

The effect of upper extremity support on upper extremity posture and muscle activity during keyboard use.

Forearm support during keyboard use has been reported to reduce neck and shoulder muscle activity and discomfort. However, the effect of forearm support on wrist posture has not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 3 different postures during keyboard use: forearm support, wrist support and "floating". The floating posture (no support) was used as the reference condition. A wrist rest was present in all test conditions. Thirteen participants completed 20 min wordprocessing tasks in each of the test conditions. Electromyography was used to monitor neck, shoulder and forearm muscle activity. Bilateral and overhead video cameras recorded left and right wrist extension, shoulder and elbow flexion and radial and ulnar deviation. The forearm support condition resulted in significantly less ulnar deviation (p < or = 0.007), less time spent in extreme ulnar deviation (p = 0.002) and less reports of discomfort than the "floating" condition (p = 0.002). The wrist support but not the forearm support condition resulted in less trapezius and anterior deltoid muscular activity (p < 0.007). These findings indicate that typing with upper extremity support in conjunction with a wrist rest may be preferable to the "floating" posture implicit in current guidelines.

The effects of topical Arnica on performance, pain and muscle damage after intense eccentric exercise.

The aim of the study was to determine if topical Arnica is effective in reducing pain, indicators of inflammation and muscle damage, and in turn improve performance in well-trained males experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Twenty well-trained males matched by maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2 Max) completed a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. Topical Arnica was applied to the skin superficial to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles immediately after a downhill running protocol designed to induce DOMS. Topical Arnica was reapplied every 4 waking hours for the duration of the study. Performance measures (peak torque, countermovement and squat jump), pain assessments (visual analogue scale (VAS) and muscle tenderness) and blood analysis (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, myoglobin and creatine kinase) were assessed at seven time points over five days (pre-, post-, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the downhill run). Participants in the topical Arnica group reported less pain as assessed through muscle tenderness and VAS 72 hours post-exercise. The application of topical Arnica did not affect any performance assessments or markers of muscle damage or inflammation. Topical Arnica used immediately after intense eccentric exercise and for the following 96 hours did not have an effect on performance or blood markers. It did however demonstrate the possibility of providing pain relief three days post-eccentric exercise.

The effects of Panax notoginseng on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage in well-trained males: a double blind randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if Panax notoginseng is effective in reducing pain, indicators of inflammation and muscle damage, and in turn improve performance in well trained males who underwent a bout of eccentric exercise designed to induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DESIGN: A double blind randomised placebo controlled trial. SETTING: Twenty well trained male volunteers, matched by maximum aerobic capacity were randomly assigned to consume a regime of 4000 mg of P. notoginseng capsules or an indistinguishable placebo before and after a downhill treadmill running episode designed to induce DOMS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance measures (Kin-Com, counter movement and squat jump), pain assessments (visual analogue scale (VAS), algometer) and blood analyses (interleukin-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein, myoglobin, creatine kinase) were assessed at 7 time points over 5 days (pre, post, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the downhill run). RESULTS: The placebo group demonstrated a significant decrease in squat jump performance immediately post the downhill run, with a mean change ± 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.8 cm (-3.53 to 1.93). The placebo group also experienced increased pain in the quadriceps 96 h after the downhill run, with a mean VAS change ± 95% CI of -0.32 cm (-0.34 to 0.98).The serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower in the placebo group 24h after the downhill run. Mean IL-6 change ± 95% CI of 0.50 pg/mL (-1.59 to 0.59), and mean TNF-α change ± 95% CI was 0.98 pg/mL (-2.04 to 0.09). No other significant differences were identified between the groups for any other outcome measure. CONCLUSION: Considering all data from this study, P. notoginseng did not convincingly have an effect on performance, muscular pain or assessed blood markers in well-trained males after an intense bout of eccentric exercise that induced DOMS.

The effects of Lyprinol(®) on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage in well trained athletes: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if Lyprinol(®) is effective in reducing pain, indicators of inflammation and muscle damage, and in turn improving performance in well trained athletes suffering from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DESIGN: A double blind randomised placebo controlled trial. SETTING: Twenty well trained male volunteers, matched by VO(2max) were randomly assigned to consume 200mg of Lyprinol(®) or an indistinguishable placebo daily for 8 weeks prior to a downhill treadmill running episode designed to induce DOMS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance measures (Kin-Com, counter movement and squat jump), pain assessments (visual analogue scale, algometer) and blood analyses (Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-10, tumour necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, creatine kinase) were assessed at 7 time points over 5 days (pre, post, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96h after the downhill run). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified in any parameters between the active and placebo groups at any time point. CONCLUSION: After 2 months ingestion of Lyprinol(®) at the currently recommended dosage (200mg/day) and a demanding eccentric exercise intervention, Lyprinol(®) did not convincingly affect DOMS and indicators of muscle damage.