Cardiac biomarker responses following high-intensity interval and continuous exercise: the influence of ACE-I/D gene polymorphism and training status in men.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre- and postexercise cardiac biomarker release according to athletic status (trained vs. untrained) and to establish whether the I/D polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene had an influence on cardiac biomarkers release with specific regard on the influence of the training state. We determined cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in 29 trained and 27 untrained male soccer players before and after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) running tests. Trained soccer players had higher pre (trained: 0.014 ± 0.007 ng/mL; untrained: 0.010 ± 0.005 ng/mL) and post HIIE (trained: 0.031 ± 0.008 ng/mL; untrained: 0.0179 ± 0.007) and MICE (trained: 0.030 ± 0.007 ng/mL; untrained: 0.018 ± 0.007) cTnI values than untrained subjects, but the change with exercise (ΔcTnI) was similar between groups. There was no significant difference in baseline and postexercise NT-proBNP between groups. NT-proBNP levels were elevated after both HIIE and MICE. Considering three ACE genotypes, the mean pre exercise cTnI values of the trained group (DD: 0.015 ± 0.008 ng/mL, ID: 0.015 ± 0.007 ng/mL, and II: 0.014 ± 0.008 ng/mL) and their untrained counterparts (DD: 0.010 ± 0.004 ng/mL, ID: 0.011 ± 0.004 ng/mL, and II: 0.010 ± 0.006 ng/mL) did not show any significant difference. To sum up, noticeable difference in baseline cTnI was observed, which was related to athletic status but not ACE genotypes. Neither athletic status nor ACE genotypes seemed to affect the changes in cardiac biomarkers in response to HIIE and MICE, indicating that the ACE gene does not play a significant role in the release of exercise-induced cardiac biomarkers indicative of cardiac damage in Iranian soccer players.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study investigated the impact of athletic status and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism on cardiac biomarkers in soccer players. Trained players showed higher baseline cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, whereas postexercise ΔcTnI remained consistent across groups. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide increased after exercise in both groups, staying within normal limits. ACE genotypes did not significantly affect pre-exercise cTnI. Overall, athletic status influences baseline cTnI, but neither it nor ACE genotypes significantly impact exercise-induced cardiac biomarker responses in this population.

Acute effects of strength and endurance exercise on serum BDNF and IGF-1 levels in older men.

BACKGROUND: Regarding an important effects of physical exercise on brain function in elders, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of strength and endurance exercise on brain neurobiological factors in older men. METHODS: Thirty older men volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to strength, endurance and control groups. The subjects in strength group performed two circuits of resistance exercise (6 exercises with 10 repetition of 65-70% of one repetition maximum), while endurance group performed 30 min running with 65-70% of maximal heart rate. Blood was obtained pre and post-exercise to determine changes in serum BDNF, IGF-1 and platelets. RESULTS: After exercise, both the strength and endurance groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations and platelets at post-exercise and in comparison to control group (p < 0.05). In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected between the strength and endurance groups at post-exercise. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that both the strength and endurance interventions are effective in elevating BDNF, IGF-1, and platelets, without significant differences between them.

Comparable endocrine and neuromuscular adaptations to variable vs. constant gravity-dependent resistance training among young women.

BACKGROUND: Variable resistance has been shown to induce greater total work and muscle activation when compared to constant resistance. However, little is known regarding the effects of chronic exposure to variable resistance training in comparison with constant resistance training. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine the effects of chain-loaded variable and constant gravity-dependent resistance training on resting hormonal and neuromuscular adaptations. METHODS: Young women were randomly assigned to variable resistance training (VRT; n = 12; age, 23.75 ± 3.64 years; and BMI, 26.80 ± 4.21 kg m-2), constant resistance training (CRT; n = 12; age, 23.58 ± 3.84 years; BMI, 25.25 ± 3.84 kg m-2), or control (Con; n = 12; age, 23.50 ± 2.93 years; BMI, 27.12 ± 12 kg m-2) groups. CRT performed 8-week total-body free-weight training three times per week with moderate-to-high intensity (65-80% 1RM; periodized). VRT was the same as CRT but included variable resistance via chains (15% of total load). Resting serum samples were taken before and after the 8-week intervention for GH, IGF-1, cortisol, myostatin, and follistatin analyses. RESULTS: Both VRT and CRT groups displayed moderate-to-large significant increases in GH (197.1%; ES = 0.78 vs. 229.9%; ES = 1.55), IGF-1 (82.3%; ES = 1.87 vs. 66%; ES = 1.66), and follistatin (58.8%; ES = 0.80 vs. 49.15%; ES = 0.80) and decreases in cortisol (- 19.9%; ES = - 1.34 vs. - 17.1%; ES = - 1.05) and myostatin (- 26.9%; ES = - 0.78 vs. - 23.2%; ES = - 0.82). Also, VRT and CRT resulted in large significant increases in bench press (30.54%; ES = 1.45 vs. 25.08%; ES = 1.12) and squat (30.63%; ES = 1.28 vs. 24.81%; ES = 1.21) strength, with no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing chain-loaded VRT into a periodized resistance training program can be an effective alternative to constant loading during free-weight RT among untrained young women.

Exercise training in thermo-mineral spring water has beneficial effects on hemodynamic and health-related factors in young-older hypertensive women: A randomized control trial.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week aerobic training in mineral geothermal water on hemodynamic variables, VO2max, and body composition in sedentary hypertensive women. Twenty postmenopausal women (58.55 ± 3.28 years) were divided into an exercise group (2 days/week, 30-40 minutes, 60%-75% of HRmax) and control group. Compared to the control group, a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, rate pressure product, body fat percent, and a significant improvement in VO2max values was found. Aerobic training in thermo-mineral spring water is a safe and effective training modality in the young-older hypertensive population.

Acute Effects of Mental Activity on Response of Serum BDNF and IGF-1 Levels in Elite and Novice Chess Players.

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players. Materials and Methods: Ten elite and novice chess players were recruited to participate in this study as volunteers. The subjects performed a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity. Before and after each chess match, blood samples were drawn to analyze changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Results: After each chess match, both the elite and novice groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations. The elite group also showed significantly greater changes in BDNF and IGF-1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the novice group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity is effective for elevating BDNF and IGF-1 levels, and that their elevation in elite players seems to be more pronounced than those in novice players.

The relationship of maximal oxygen consumption to bone mineral density in Iranian young women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Iranian young women. METHODS: Iranian young women (n = 127), aged 24-36 years, participated in this study. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. VO2 max was determined by the Rackport test. In addition, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated, and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). RESULTS: Results showed a significant relationship between VO2 max with LS and FN BMDs (LS: r = .50 and .59, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher levels of VO2 max predicted higher BMD LS and FN. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the researchers concluded that VO2 max is a useful indirect marker for BMD in young women. Also, it seems that VO2 max may be able to predict the potential for osteoporosis in Iranian young women.

The effects of concurrent training (aerobic-resistance) and milk consumption on some markers of bone mineral density in women with osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a skeletal metabolic disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced bone strength leading to higher bone fractures risk. The present study attempted to investigate the effects of concurrent training (aerobic-resistance) and milk consumption on some markers of BMD in women with osteoporosis. METHODS: For this purpose, forty women diagnosed with osteoporosis within an age range of 30-45 years were divided into four groups of ten including concurrent training-milk, concurrent training, milk consumption and control group. The concurrent exercises were performed in ten weeks with three sessions in each week including aerobic training (running at 55-75% of maximum heart rate) and resistance training (4 move in a circle performed two times with 10 repetition maximum (RM)). Milk consumption was two times of 250 ml per day in ten weeks. Before and after treatment, BMDs in the hip and lumbar spine area were estimated with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) device and 5 cc blood was taken from a vein in the arm to determine the blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). RESULTS: Based on the results, blood levels 25OH-D and ALP significantly increased in concurrent training-milk, concurrent training and milk group with higher increase in concurrent training-milk group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the right and left hip BMD in concurrent training-milk and concurrent training groups increased significantly with higher increase in concurrent training-milk group (p < 0.05). Also, lumbar spine BMD increased significantly in concurrent training-milk and concurrent training (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that combination of concurrent training and milk consumption has more efficient impacts on the BMD of young women diagnosed with osteoporosis compared to the milk or concurrent training groups alone. This treatment can be used as an effective way to improve BMD in young women with diagnosed osteoporosis.

The effects of maturation on jumping ability and sprint adaptations to plyometric training in youth soccer players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maturation on power and sprint performance adaptations following 6 weeks of plyometric training in youth soccer players during pre-season. Sixty male soccer players were categorized into 3 maturity groups (Pre, Mid and Post peak height velocity [PHV]) and then randomly assigned to plyometric group and control group. Vertical jump, standing long jump, and 20-m sprint (with and without ball) tests were collected before- and after-intervention. After the intervention, the Pre, Mid and Post-PHV groups showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) and small to moderate effect size (ES) improvement in vertical jump (ES = 0.48; 0.57; 0.73), peak power output (E = 0.60; 0.64; 0.76), standing long jump (ES = 0.62; 0.65; 0.7), 20-m sprint (ES = -0.58; -0.66), and 20-m sprint with ball (ES = -0.44; -0.8; -0.55) performances. The Post-PHV soccer players indicated greater gains than Pre-PHV in vertical jump and sprint performance after training (P ≤ 0.05). Short-term plyometric training had positive effects on sprinting and jumping-power which are important determinants of match-winning actions in soccer. These results indicate that a sixty foot contact, twice per week program, seems effective in improving power and sprint performance in youth soccer players.

Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Versus Continuous Endurance Training: Effects on Hematological and Cardiorespiratory System Adaptations in Professional Canoe Polo Athletes.

Sheykhlouvand, M, Gharaat, M, Khalili, E, Agha-Alinejad, H, Rahmaninia, F, and Arazi, H. Low-volume high-intensity interval versus continuous endurance training: effects on hematological and cardiorespiratory system adaptations in professional canoe polo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1852-1860, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 paddling-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous endurance training (CET) on hematological, immunological, and cardiorespiratory adaptations in professional canoe polo athletes. A total of 21 male canoe polo athletes were randomly divided into 1 of 3 groups (N = 7): (a) HIIT with variable intensity (VIHIIT) (6 × 60 seconds at 100, 110, 120, 130, 130, 130, 120, 110, 100% vV[Combining Dot Above]O2peak from first to ninth session, respectively, 1:3 work to recovery ratio); (b) HIIT with variable volume (VVHIIT) (6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 8, 7, 6 repetitions/session from first to ninth session, respectively) × 60 seconds at lowest velocity that elicited V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), 1:3 work to recovery ratio); and (c) the CET group performed 3 times × 60 minutes paddling sessions (75% vV[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) per week for 3 weeks. Significant increases in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ml·kg·min) (VIHIIT = 7.6%, VVHIIT = 6.7%), ventilation (V[Combining Dot Above]E) at V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (VIHIIT = 11.5%, VVHIIT = 15.2%), respiratory frequency (Rf) at V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (VVHIIT = 21.1%), V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at ventilatory threshold (VT) (VIHIIT = 10.5%, VVHIIT = 25.1%), V[Combining Dot Above]E at VT (VIHIIT = 12.4%, VVHIIT = 34.0%), tidal volume at VT (VIHIIT = 11.7%, VVHIIT = 33.3%), Rf at VT (VIHIIT = 9.7%), V[Combining Dot Above]E/V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at VT (VVHIIT = 13.1%), V[Combining Dot Above]O2/heart rate (HR) at VT (VIHIIT = 12.9%, VVHIIT = 21.4%), and V[Combining Dot Above]E/HR at VT (VIHIIT = 7.8%, VVHIIT = 27.2%) were seen compared with pretraining. Training interventions resulted in significant increases in mean platelet volume (VIHIIT = 2.7%, VVHIIT = 1.9%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CET = 3.3%), and significant decrease in red blood cell distribution width (VVHIIT = -4.3), and cell numbers of lymphocyte (CET = -27.1) compared with pretraining. This study demonstrated that paddling-based HIIT enhances aerobic capacity and respiratory makers, without negatively affecting the immune system over 3 weeks.

Practical Model of Low-Volume Paddling-Based Sprint Interval Training Improves Aerobic and Anaerobic Performances in Professional Female Canoe Polo Athletes.

Sheykhlouvand, M, Khalili, E, Gharaat, M, Arazi, H, Khalafi, M, and Tarverdizadeh, B. Practical model of low-volume paddling-based sprint interval training improves aerobic and anaerobic performances in professional female canoe polo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2375-2382, 2018-Brief, intense exercise training using running and cycling as exercise interventions may induce aerobic and anaerobic adaptations in athletes from a wide range of sports. However, this has not been studied extensively for those sports in which the upper body is predominantly involved. Our purpose was to examine the effects of kayak paddling-based sprint interval training (SIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic performance. Sixteen professional female canoe polo athletes (age = 27.6 ± 1.9 years; height = 165.7 ± 5.2 cm; body mass = 62.6 ± 8.5 kg; body mass index = 22.8 kg·m; body fat = 23.8 ± 4.9%) were randomized to either an intense exercise training consisting of sets of 5 × 5-second maximum sprint efforts interspersed by a 10-second recovery between each sprint (3, 4, 5, and 6 sets/session from first to fourth week, respectively, with 3 minutes of rest between each set), performed 3 times per week for 4 weeks (n = 8), or a usual training control group (n = 8). Before and after the training period, aerobic and anaerobic measurements were assessed using a kayak specific test and Wingate protocol, respectively. Training increased V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, O2 pulse, anaerobic threshold, peak, and mean power output in the SIT group compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05) who showed no changes in these variables when tested 4 weeks apart without SIT. Paddling-based SIT was a potent stimulus and time-efficient strategy to induce rapid adaptations in aerobic and anaerobic performances in professional female canoe polo athletes who can use this training method to achieve fitness in a short period.

Influence of Maturation Stage on Agility Performance Gains After Plyometric Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Asadi, A, Arazi, H, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Moran, J, and Izquierdo, M. Influence of maturation stage on agility performance gains after plyometric training: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2609-2617, 2017-Although plyometric training (PT) improves change of direction (COD) ability, the influence of age on COD gains after PT is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to identify the age-related pattern of improvement in COD ability after PT in youths. A computerized search within 6 databases was performed, selecting studies based on specific inclusion criteria: experimental trials published in English-language journals, PT focused on the lower-body, COD ability measurements reported before and after training, and male participants aged 10 to 18 years. Sixteen articles with a total of 30 effect sizes (ESs) in the experimental groups and 13 ESs in the control groups were included. For the analyses, subjects were categorized into 3 age groups: 10-12.9 years of age (PRE), 13-15.9 years of age (MID), and 16-18 years of age (POST). Independent of age, PT improved COD ability in youths (ES = 0.86, time gains [TG = -0.61]). However, a tendency toward greater COD ability gains was observed in older subjects (MID, ES = 0.95; POST, ES = 0.99) compared with younger subjects (PRE, ES = 0.68). Pearson product-moment correlation (r) indicated that 2-weekly sessions of PT-induced meaningful COD ability gains (for ES, r = 0.436; for TG, r = -0.624). A positive relationship was found between training intensity and ES (r = 0.493). In conclusion, PT improves COD ability in youths, with meaningfully greater effects in older youths. Two PT sessions per week, with 1,400 moderate-intensity jumps for 7 weeks, seems to be an adequate dose.

The Relationship of Physical Activity and Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics to Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of physical activity and anthropometric and physiological characteristics to bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Ninety-seven postmenopausal women with an average age of 50.71 ± 6.86 yr were selected to participate in this study. After completing consent forms and the questionnaire on physical activity, the amounts of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in participants' blood were measured by blood tests. The BMDs of the subjects in the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and hip were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device and the results were recorded. Also, anthropometric characteristics including height, weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), digit ratio (2D:4D), skeletal muscle mass index, hand and calf circumferences and physiological parameters, including handgrip strength, quadriceps isotonic extension strength and balance of the subjects, were measured. The results showed that the 2D:4D ratio and skeletal muscle mass index had a significantly positive relationship with BMD of the lumbar spine (p ≤ 0.05) and the hip (p ≤ 0.05). Also, there was a negative relationship between the BMD of lumbar spine and hip and WHR (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive relationship between the calf circumferences and lumbar spine BMD (p ≤ 0.05). Contrary to this, there was no significant relationship between the calf circumference and the hip BMD, and between hand circumference with lumbar spine and hip BMD (p > 0.05). Results of physiological indices showed a significant positive relationship between physical activity, handgrip strength, quadriceps isotonic extension strength, standing on 1 foot with the lumbar spine and hip BMD (p ≤ 0.05). But the relationship was not observed between BMD and the ability to squat down on the floor (p > 0.05). Based on these results, it seemed that we can use some physiological and anthropometric indices that are important determinants of BMD and risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Men and Women Exhibit Similar Acute Hypotensive Responses After Low, Moderate, or High-Intensity Plyometric Training.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of low-, moderate-, high-, and combined-intensity plyometric training on heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rate-pressure product (RPP) cardiovascular responses in male and female normotensive subjects. Fifteen (8 women) physically active normotensive subjects participated in this study (age 23.5 ± 2.6 years, body mass index 23.8 ± 2.3 kg · m(-2)). Using a randomized crossover design, trials were conducted with rest intervals of at least 48 hours. Each trial comprised 120 jumps, using boxes of 20, 30, and 40 cm for low, moderate, and high intensity, respectively. For combined intensity, the 3 height boxes were combined. Measurements were taken before and after (i.e., every 10 minutes for a period of 90 minutes) each trial. When data responses of men and women were combined, a mean reduction in SBP, DBP, and RPP was observed after all plyometric intensities. No significant differences were observed pre- or postexercise (at any time point) for HR, SBP, DBP, or RPP when low-, moderate-, high-, or combined-intensity trials were compared. No significant differences were observed between male and female subjects, except for a higher SBP reduction in women (-12%) compared with men (-7%) after high-intensity trial. Although there were minor differences across postexercise time points, collectively, the data demonstrated that all plyometric training intensities can induce an acute postexercise hypotensive effect in young normotensive male and female subjects.

The Effects of Plyometric Type Neuromuscular Training on Postural Control Performance of Male Team Basketball Players.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common in basketball athletes; common preventive programs for decreasing these injures may be enhancing postural control (PC) or balance with plyometric training. This study investigated the efficiency of plyometric training program within basketball practice to improve PC performance in young basketball players. Sixteen players were recruited and assigned either to a plyometric + basketball training group (PT) or basketball training group (BT). All players trained twice per week, but the PT + BT followed a 6-week plyometric program implemented within basketball practice, whereas the BT followed regular practice. The star excursion balance test (SEBT) at 8 directions (anterior, A; anteromedial, AM; anterolateral, AL; medial, M; lateral, L; posterior, P; posteromedial, PM; and posterolateral, PL) was measured before and after the 6-week period. The PT group induced significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) and small to moderate effect size in the SEBT (A = 0.95, AM = 0.62, AL = 0.61, M = 0.36, L = 0.47, P = 0.27, PM = 0.25, PL = 0.24). No significant improvements were found in the BT group. Also, there were significant differences between groups in all directions except PM and PL. An integrated plyometric program within the regular basketball practice can lead to significant improvements in SEBT and consequently PC. It can be recommended that strength and conditioning professionals use PT to enhance the athletes' joint awareness and PC to reduce possible future injuries in the lower extremity.

Effect of resistance training plus enriched probiotic supplement on sestrin2, oxidative stress, and mitophagy markers in elderly male Wistar rats.

This study aimed to determine the effects of resistance training combined with a probiotic supplement enriched with vitamin D and leucine on sestrin2, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and mitophagy markers in aged Wistar rats. Thirty-five male rats were randomly assigned to two age groups (old with 18-24 months of age and young with 8-12 weeks of age) and then divided into five groups, including (1) old control (OC: n = 5 + 2 for reserve in all groups), (2) young control (YC: n = 5), (3) old resistance training (OR: n = 5), (4) old resistance training plus supplement (ORS: n = 5), and old supplement group (OS: n = 5). Training groups performed ladder climbing resistance training 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Training intensity was inserted progressively, with values equal to 65, 75, and 85, determining rats' maximal carrying load capacity. Each animal made 5 to 8 climbs in each training session, and the time of each climb was between 12 and 15 s, although the time was not the subject of the evaluation, and the climbing pattern was different in the animals. Old resistance plus supplement and old supplement groups received 1 ml of supplement 5 times per week by oral gavage in addition to standard feeding, 1 to 2 h post training sessions. Forty-eight hours after the end of the training program, 3 ml of blood samples were taken, and all rats were then sacrificed to achieve muscle samples. After 8 weeks of training, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity levels increased in both interventions. A synergistic effect of supplement with resistance training was observed for total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and PTEN-induced kinase 1. Sestrin 2 decreased in intervention groups. These results suggest that resistance training plus supplement can boost antioxidant defense and mitophagy while potentially decreasing muscle strength loss.

Minimising warm ischaemia time during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. A video-based assessment of tumour excision, kidney reconstruction and intermediate time.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical video review is an emerging tool for assessing patient outcomes, especially in complex surgeries such as robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Assessing and measuring warm ischaemia time (WIT) during RAPN by dividing it into the time used for tumour excision time (ExcT), time used for kidney reconstruction time (RecT) and intermediate time (IntT) has not been performed before. This study aimed to analyse the factors that can influence all surgical times and assess their impact on positive surgical margins (PSMs) and complication rates. METHODS: We evaluated 32 surgical video recordings from patients undergoing RAPN and measured WIT, ExcT, RecT and IntT with a stopwatch. Factors such as tumour characteristics and surgeon experience were also recorded. SPSS software was used to identify the predictors for all surgical times and to correlate ExcT with PSM and RecT with complication rate. RESULTS: We recorded a median WIT of 1,048 s (17 min and 28 s). The median of ExcT, RecT and IntT was 398 s (37.1% of WIT), 518 s (46.7% of WIT) and 180 s (16.2% of WIT), respectively. We found a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between R.E.N.A.L. score and all surgical times. No correlation was found between ExcT and PSM (P = 0.488) and between RecT and the probability of developing complications (P = 0.544). CONCLUSION: Tumour morphology influences all surgical times, and surgeon experience influences only ExcT. We observed a short RecT during RAPN though at the cost of increased ExcT, and we believe that improving surgical experience, especially for the excision of more complex tumours, can reduce WIT during RAPN.

Are the digit ratio (2D:4D) and hand grip strength related to Parkinson disease in elderly males?

BACKGROUND: Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis of Parkinson patients and it has been suggested that gender is the most important factor in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is affected by the prenatal testosterone and estrogen levels and can predict predisposition to disease. In addition, decreased muscle strength in people with Parkinson's has been repeatedly reported. Hand grip strength (HGS) is a suitable measure to evaluate the musculoskeletal system among the elderly and it is considered as an indicator of the overall strength of the body. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between Parkinson's disease and HGS and 2D:4D ratio. METHODS: In this study 117 elderly men with Parkinson disease (mean age of 61.66 ± 11.28 years) and 156 healthy control subjects (mean age of 61.86 ± 6.29 years) participated. After determining the level of disability of Parkinson patients by a neurologist (level of disability in the range of 1-4), anthropometric indices (height, weight, length of the second and fourth fingers) and maximum HGS were measured. RESULTS: Although 2D:4D ratios (right and left hand) of male patients with Parkinson's disease were higher than those of healthy males, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12, P = 0.40; respectively). Conversely, HGS for the right and left hands of Parkinson patients were significantly lower than those of healthy males (P = 0.02, P = 0.03; respectively). The results showed a significant negative relationship between Parkinson disease and the right and left HGS (R = -0.16, P = 0.005; R = -0.17, P = 0.003; respectively). Parkinson disease had no significant relationship with 2D:4D of the right hand, left hand, mean finger ratio and DR-L 2D:4D (P > 0.05). The regression results showed that the right and left HGS were not able to predict Parkinson disease (P = 0.25, P = 0.16; respectively). CONCLUSION: We concluded that HGS was negatively associated with the Parkinson disease, but conversely, 2D:4D may not be a valuable biomarker of elevated risk of Parkinson in elderly males.

A new taekwondo-specific field test for estimating aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, and agility performance.

The present study aimed to propose a new multidimensional taekwondo-specific test to estimate aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, and agility. Out of sixty-five male volunteers, forty-six, forty-eight, and fifty athletes (18-35 years; black- and red-belt level) were included in the final analysis for aerobic, anaerobic, and agility assessments, respectively. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max, using a graded exercise test on a treadmill), anaerobic power (using the 30-s Wingate anaerobic test, WAnT), and agility performance (using the agility T-Test) were measured via non-specific laboratory and field tests across a two-week period. The taekwondo-specific aerobic-anaerobic-agility (TAAA) test comprised six 20-s intervals of shuttle sprints over a 4-m distance, and the execution of roundhouse kicks alternating the legs at the end of each distance, with 10-s rest intervals between the sets. The multiple linear regression revealed that the difference between heart rate (HR) after and 1 minute after the TAAA test (p < 0.001), and body mass index (BMI; p = 0.006) were significant to estimate VO2max. Likewise, there was a very large (R = 0.79) and large (R = 0.55) correlation between the average and maximum number of kicks performed in the TAAA test and the WAnT mean and peak power, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, a linear relationship was found between the T-Test and agility performance acquired in the TAAA test (R = 0.74; p < 0.001). The TAAA test can be considered a valid simple tool for monitoring VO2max, anaerobic fitness, and agility in male taekwondo athletes.

Interactive effect of socio-eco-demographic characteristics and perceived physical activity barriers on physical activity level among older adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies examining associations of socio-eco-demographic characteristics with physical activity (PA) participation of older adults have produced inconsistent results. Perceived PA barriers may be a possible explanation for the mixed findings. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of socio-eco-demographic (SED) characteristics with PA of older adults and the moderation effects of perceived barriers of PA. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-four older adults (≥ 60 years old) were recruited from public places in six different cities. Questions regarding socio-eco-demographic characteristics, PA, and perceived PA barriers were asked, in-person, by two examiners. Ordinal logistic regression models examined the association of socio-eco-demographic characteristics with subjectively measured PA, and the interactive effects of subscales of perceived PA barriers and socio-eco-demographic variables for PA outcomes. RESULTS: Significant main effects for PA outcomes were found for education and living status (P < 0.01) and college-educated individuals and those were living in their private houses reported higher PA. Also, 24 significant interactive effects of perceived PA barriers by socio-eco-demographic factors were found (P < 0.05). Significant moderation effects by all subscales of perceived PA barriers were observed for education and living status. The effect of age for the PA outcomes was moderated by "lack of time", "fear of injury", and "lack of skill". Only "fear of injury" and "lack of time" moderated the effect of gender and marriage for outcome variable, respectively. The effect of employment was moderated by "lack of willpower", "fear of injury", "lack of skill" and "lack of resources". CONCLUSIONS: Novel evidence revealed that there are moderations by perceived PA barriers for the effect of almost all socio-eco-demographic characteristics. These findings highlight a need to consider older adults' perspectives and perceptions, when it comes to establish policies for PA participation.

Effects of a New Form of Resistance-Type High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiac Structure, Hemodynamics, and Physiological and Performance Adaptations in Well-Trained Kayak Sprint Athletes.

This study examined the effects of a resistance-type high-intensity interval training (RHIIT) matched with the lowest velocity that elicited V . O2peak (100% v V . O2peak) in well-trained kayak sprint athletes. Responses in cardiac structure and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, anaerobic power, exercise performance, muscular strength, and hormonal adaptations were examined. Male kayakers (n = 24, age: 27 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to one of three 8-wk conditions (N = 8): (RHIIT) resistance training using one-armed cable row at 100% v V . O2peak; paddling-based HIIT (PHIIT) six sets of paddling at 100% v V . O2peak; or controls (CON) who performed six sessions including 1-h on-water paddling/sessions at 70-80% maximum HR per week. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in V . O2peak, v V . O2peak, maximal cardiac output, resting stroke volume, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, 500-m paddling performance were seen pre- to post-training in all groups. Change in V . O2peak in response to PHIIT was significantly greater (p = 0.03) compared to CON. Also, 500-m paddling performance changes in response to PHIIT and RHIIT were greater (p = 0.02, 0.05, respectively) than that of CON. Compared with pre-training, PHIIT and RHIIT resulted in significant increases in peak and average power output, maximal stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, ejection fraction, total testosterone, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and 1,000-m paddling performance. Also, the change in 1,000-m paddling performance in response to PHIIT was significantly greater (p = 0.02) compared to that of CON. Moreover, maximum strength was significantly enhanced in response to RHIIT pre- to post-training (p < 0.05). Overall, RHIIT and PHIIT similarly improve cardiac structure and hemodynamics, physiological adaptations, and performance of well-trained kayak sprint athletes. Also, RHIIT enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength simultaneously.