Impact of Taekwondo training on cognitive and physical function in elderly individuals: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Researchers have investigated the physical and psychosocial advantages of Taekwondo for older adults. However, prior studies of Taekwondo's impact on physical function and psychological well-being in this demographic have produced inconsistent findings. Thus, this systematic review aimed to assess how Taekwondo practice affects the physical function and psychological well-being of older adults. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Korea Education and Research Information Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, Korean National Assembly Library, Research Information Sharing Service, National Digital Science Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception to December 2023. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data from each study. We calculated effect sizes using a random-effects model with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and evaluated study quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: This review included ten studies with 227 participants aged 66.1-73.6 years. The meta-analysis revealed significant enhancements in cognitive function [Korean Version of Mini-Mental State Examination, standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.700, 95 % CI (0.364-1.037), I2 = 0 %, p < .001], blood indicators [ß-amyloid, SMD = 0.613, 95 % CI (0.103-1.123), I2 = 34.920 %, p < .05; brain-derived neurotrophic factor, SMD = 0.566, 95 % CI (0.166-0.966), I2 = 0 %, p < .01; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.677, 95 % CI (0.357-0.966), I2 = 0 %, p < .001; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.809, 95 % CI (0.376-1.242), I2 = 42.621 %, p < .001; and total cholesterol, SMD = 0.979, 95 % CI (0.603-1.356), I2 = 22.221 %, p < .001], and physical function [lean body mass, SMD = 0.465, 95 % CI (0.109-0.821), I2 = 0 %, p < .05, and handgrip strength, SMD = 0.929, 95 % CI (0.194-1.663), I2 = 48.217 %, p < .05]. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicates that Taekwondo training is a beneficial therapy with protective effects on cognitive function, physical function, and body composition in older adults. These findings highlight its potential significance in cognitive rehabilitation and physiological health promotion among this demographic population.

Machine Learning-Based Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers for Korean Male Sarcopenia Through Integrative DNA Methylation and Methylation Risk Score: From the Korean Genomic Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, is primarily attributable to aging. DNA methylation, influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, plays a significant role in sarcopenia occurrence. This study employed machine learning (ML) methods to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs) capable of diagnosing sarcopenia in middle-aged individuals. We also investigated the relationship between muscle strength, muscle mass, age, and sarcopenia risk as reflected in methylation profiles. METHODS: Data from 509 male participants in the urban cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study_Health Examinee study were categorized into quartile groups based on the sarcopenia criteria for appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and handgrip strength (HG). To identify diagnostic biomarkers for sarcopenia, we used recursive feature elimination with cross validation (RFECV), to pinpoint DMPs significantly associated with sarcopenia. An ensemble model, leveraging majority voting, was utilized for evaluation. Furthermore, a methylation risk score (MRS) was calculated, and its correlation with muscle strength, function, and age was assessed using likelihood ratio analysis and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants were classified into two groups based on quartile thresholds: sarcopenia (n = 37) with ASMI and HG in the lowest quartile, and normal ranges (n = 48) in the highest. In total, 238 DMPs were identified and eight probes were selected using RFECV. These DMPs were used to build an ensemble model with robust diagnostic capabilities for sarcopenia, as evidenced by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94. Based on eight probes, the MRS was calculated and then validated by analyzing age, HG, and ASMI among the control group (n = 424). Age was positively correlated with high MRS (coefficient, 1.2494; odds ratio [OR], 3.4882), whereas ASMI and HG were negatively correlated with high MRS (ASMI coefficient, -0.4275; OR, 0.6521; HG coefficient, -0.3116; OR, 0.7323). CONCLUSION: Overall, this study identified key epigenetic markers of sarcopenia in Korean males and developed a ML model with high diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia. The MRS also revealed significant correlations between these markers and age, HG, and ASMI. These findings suggest that both diagnostic models and the MRS can play an important role in managing sarcopenia in middle-aged populations.

Comparison of face mask effects on cardiorespiratory responses between physically active and sedentary individuals.

BACKGROUND: Alterations caused by face masks on physiological responses vary among different population groups. This study aimed to investigate whether physically active and sedentary individuals respond differently to face mask use during exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy college students were divided into two groups: Physically active group (N.=10; 26.50±2.80 years) and Sedentary group (N.=6; 26.33±2.81 years). They performed three maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)s following the Bruce protocol: one without a face mask (NON), one with a surgical mask (SUR) and one with a cloth mask (CLO). Cardiorespiratory parameters and heart rate were monitored continuously during the test. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation and lactate level were measured immediately before and after exertion. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the Physically active and the Sedentary group in peak VO2 (VO2peak) in NON (P=0.030). However, this difference disappeared when the face masks were used. Furthermore, VO2/kg (P=0.002) and METs (P=0.002) decreased significantly at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) only in the Physically active group with face masks. No significant differences were found between the two groups for exercise time, lactate level and dyspnea (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory responses, particularly VO2peak, due to face mask use was greater in physically active individuals compared to sedentary individuals. Population group characteristics should be considered when adapting face masks to daily life.

Exploring CrossFit performance prediction and analysis via extensive data and machine learning.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of athletic performance has always aroused great interest from sport scientist. This study utilized machine learning methods to build predictive models using a comprehensive CrossFit (CF) dataset, aiming to reveal valuable insights into the factors influencing performance and emerging trends. METHODS: Random forest (RF) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were employed to predict performance in four key weightlifting exercises within CF: clean and jerk, snatch, back squat, and deadlift. Performance was evaluated using R-squared (R2) values and mean squared error (MSE). Feature importance analysis was conducted using RF, XGBoost, and AdaBoost models. RESULTS: The RF model excelled in deadlift performance prediction (R2=0.80), while the MLR model demonstrated remarkable accuracy in clean and jerk (R2=0.93). Across exercises, clean and jerk consistently emerged as a crucial predictor. The feature importance analysis revealed intricate relationships among exercises, with gender significantly impacting deadlift performance. CONCLUSIONS: This research advances our understanding of performance prediction in CF through machine learning techniques. It provides actionable insights for practitioners, optimize performance, and demonstrates the potential for future advancements in data-driven sports analytics.

Effects of Exercise on Urinary AD7c-NTP (Alzheimer-Associated Neuronal Thread Protein) Levels and Cognitive Function Among Active Korean Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c-NTP) has been demonstrated to have high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from healthy individuals. However, it is yet unclear whether exercise can lower the level of AD7c-NTP in urine among active Korean elderly. Objective: To assess the effect of exercise on AD7c-ntp levels in urine and cognitive function among active Korean elderly. Methods: In total, 40 Korean elderly (≥65 years) were divided into Active Control group (CG, n = 10), Aerobic exercise group (AG, n = 18), and combined Resistance/Aerobic exercise group (RAG, n = 12). A total of 12 weeks of exercise intervention was implemented. At week 0 and 12, cognitive performance (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, Korean-Color Word Stroop test), grip strength, and body composition (muscle mass and body fat percentage) were measured. Also, a morning urine sample was obtained from each subject. The level of AD7c-NTP was measured using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After 12 weeks of exercise intervention, there was a significant difference of AD7c-NTP levels between RAG and CG (p = 0.026), AG and CG (p = 0.032), respectively. Furthermore, the AD7c-NTP levels in urine showed negative correlation with K-MMSE scores (r = -0.390, p = 0.013) and grip strength (r = -0.376, p = 0.017), among all participants after exercise intervention. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate urine biomarker through exercise intervention. In future stuides, participants who have low cognitive function and low activity levels need to be recruited to observe more significant 'Exercise' effect.

Effects of a 2-Week Kinect-Based Mixed-Reality Exercise Program on Prediabetes: A Pilot Trial during COVID-19.

Background: Pre-diabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes mellitus, but can prevented by regular exercise. However, the outcomes when combining unsupervised Kinect-based mixed-reality (KMR) exercise with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remain unclear. Therefore, this single-arm pilot trial examined changes in blood glucose (BG) concentrations over 672 hours (4 weeks), including a 2-week period of KMR exercise and CGM in individuals with pre-diabetes. Methods: This was a pre-and post-treatment case-control study with nine participants. General questionnaires were administered and body composition, fasting BG concentrations, and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (2-OGTT) results were measured pre-and post-treatment. Weekly average glucose concentrations, hyperglycemia rate, hypoglycemia rate, average glucose concentration over time, amount of physical activity, amount of food intake, and pre- and postprandial BG (immediately and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after lunch) were measured over 4 weeks (pre-test, exercise, and post -test weeks). Glucose concentrations were measured before exercising, between sets, and 30 and 60 minutes after exercise during the 2 weeks of unsupervised exercise (3 days/week). Results: In all participants, body mass index (27.16±2.92 kg/m2), fasting BG (108.00±7.19 mg/dL), 2-OGTT (162.56±18.12 mg/dL), hyperglycemia rate (P=0.040), and 90-minute postprandial BG (P=0.035) were significantly reduced during the 2 exercise weeks, and the 2-OGTT result (P=0.044) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P=0.046) were significantly reduced at the post -test as compared with the pre-test. Conclusion: This study found that 2 weeks of unsupervised KMR exercise reduced 2-OGTT, DBP, hyperglycemia rate, and 90-minute postprandial BG concentration. We believed this effect could be identified more clearly in studies involving a larger number of participants and longer durations of exercise.

Improving Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Function of Korean Firefighters: A Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Device Exercise Intervention Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study addresses declining physical fitness among Korean firefighters due to a low exercise participation rate caused by the absence of exercise instructors. The research explores Virtual Mate (VM), a Kinect-based mixed reality device, as a potential solution, but its capacity to replace training instructors in enhancing physical fitness remains uncertain. METHODS: Twenty Korean male firefighters were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an 8-week intervention using VM, while the control group maintained regular physical activity. Cardiopulmonary function and muscle function were measured. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, the exercise group demonstrated a significant improvement in VO 2peak . Furthermore, there were notable enhancements in the strength and endurance of most knee, shoulder, and trunk flexors and extensors. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating VM into an exercise program can effectively improve cardiorespiratory and muscular function in Korean firefighters.

Association of physical activity and fitness with executive function among preschoolers.

It is well-documented in the literature that high levels of regular physical activity (PA), low levels of sedentary behavior (SB), and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with superior cognitive functioning, especially with regard to older populations. However, concerning other age groups (e.g., preschoolers) the available evidence documenting such a positive relationship is relatively scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of time spent in different PA intensity zones and CRF with executive functions (EFs) in preschool-age children. To this end, preschoolers (n = 127) aged 3 to 6 years were recruited from 9 kindergarten classes in 2 districts of Shenzhen, China. The amount and the intensity of PA were assessed via accelerometry, and the CRF level was quantified by the 20-meter shuttle run test. EFs including inhibitory control and working memory were assessed using the one-on-one iPad-based Early Year Toolbox. Results suggested that children who had a higher CRF level ("impulse control" scores: ß = 0.34, p < .001; "Go" accuracy: ß = 0.31, p < .001; "No-Go" accuracy: ß =0.28, < .001) and spentmore time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) ("impulse control" scores: ß = 0.50, p < .001; No-Go" accuracy: ß = 0.52, p < .001) had higher scores on inhibitory control tasks, and those who had a higher CRF level had higher scores on a working memory task (ß = 0.24, p < .05). The findings are discussed in light of the positive roles of MVPA and CRF for promoting EFs, but also consider the disproportionate association of PA and CRF with working memory relative to inhibition.

The Effect of High-Speed Power Training on Physical Frailty in Older Adults: Effect of a Visual-Guided Exercise Program in South Korean Rural Areas.

Objective: Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention; the difficulty still lies in providing exercise programs to the older adults in rural areas. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program provided with visual guidelines (prerecorded video) on frailty among older adults in rural areas. Methods: Fifty participants (71.7 ± 4.9 years) from 5 different rural areas were recruited and divided into two groups: the exercise group (EX, n = 24 (male: 8, female: 18)) and the control group (CON, n = 26 (male: 7, female: 17)). With the commencement of the exercise intervention, a prerecorded high-speed power training program for frail older adults was distributed to the EX group. A new prerecorded exercise program was delivered to the EX group every 4 weeks. Frailty status was diagnosed with Fried's criteria before and after the intervention. Muscle strength was measured in the upper and lower limb strength (hand-grip strength and leg extension and flexion), and physical function was measured using a short physical performance battery and gait speed. Fasting blood was collected before and after the intervention and analyzed for blood lipid profile. Results: After 12 weeks of the intervention period, a significant difference in frailty status (P < 0.01) and score (P < 0.01) favoring the EX group was observed. Physical functions (gait speed (P=0.01) and time for sit to stand (P < 0.01)) were significantly improved in the EX group with a significant increase in knee extensor strength (P < 0.01). A significant difference in serum high-density lipoprotein levels favoring the EX group (P=0.03) was also observed. Conclusions: This study confirmed the positive effect of a visual-guided exercise program on older adults' residents in rural areas and provided alternative methods to effectively provide exercise program for the older adults with limited resources.

Effects of Exercise on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the effects of exercise on the physical function and health quality of life (hQoL) in prostate cancer patients underwent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Additionally, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the physical function and hQoL in these patients were compared with those of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). METHODS: Seventeen prostate cancer patients who underwent ADT were prospectively allocated to either HIIT (n = 9) or MICT (n = 8). In these patients, physical function and hQoL were measured before and after 12 weeks of exercise and 3-6 months after the exercise program, respectively. RESULTS: Although the whole-body total mass significantly increased after the exercise program, it was equivalent regardless of the exercise methods. After the exercise program, muscle strength and endurance improved and tended to be maintained until 3-6 months later. Improvement in muscle endurance was more prominent after HIIT, and that in muscle strength was more prominent after MICT. Performance in the senior fitness test improved after the exercise program, and HIIT was more effective for lower and upper muscle endurance and flexibility, although MICT was more effective for the others. The hQoL significantly improved 3-6 months after the exercise program. CONCLUSION: The 12-week exercise program has a positive effect on the physical function and hQoL in prostate cancer patients who underwent ADT. In these patients, compared with MICT, HIIT may be a better option for improving muscle endurance, which is thought to be significant for preventing falls and fractures in elderly patients.

Corrigendum to "Physical activity in the era of climate change and COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the South Korea's 2022 Report Card on physical activity for children and adolescents" [J Exercise Sci Fitness 21(1) (2023) 26-33].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2022.10.014.].

Physical activity in the era of climate change and COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the South Korea's 2022 Report Card on physical activity for children and adolescents.

Background: With intensifying air pollutant levels and the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity of South Korean children and adolescents may be threatened. Therefore, monitoring and surveillance of physical activity (PA) and relevant indicators are important for policy making pertaining to health promotion. Report Card is a third comprehensive evaluation of PA-related behaviors among and the sources of influence for South Korean children and adolescents. Purpose: To provide the outcome of the South Korea's 2022 Report Card on PA for children and adolescents. Methods: Based on a variety of sources including national surveys collected pre- and during-COVID-19 and information collected from government webpages, 11 indicators were graded by a committee of experts informed by the best available evidence. Data from during-COVID-19 were available for Overall PA, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep and considered together in generating the overall grades. Results: Grades were assigned to behavioral indicators (Overall PA: D-; Active Transportation: B+; Sedentary Behavior: D; Sleep: F) and sources of Influence (Family and Peers: C-; School: A; Community and Environment: B-; Government: A). Organized Sport and PA, Active Play, and Physical Fitness could not be graded due to the lack of data. The results largely indicated that children and adolescents show unfavorable behavioral grades even with favorable grades observed for the sources of influence indicators. Trivial differences were observed pre- and during-pandemic for Overall PA (≥60 min of MVPA for ≥4 d/wk: 20.8% vs 19.9%) and Sleep (met age-specific recommendation: 14.1% vs 15.0%); however, a marked increase in Sedentary Behavior was observed (≤2 h/d screen time: 28.8% vs 20.1%). A stark weekday vs weekend difference was observed in sleep duration. In terms of PA related sources of influence, high accessibility to PA facilities (81.1%) and high satisfaction of neighborhood public transit (74.6%) and safety (80.7%) were well reflected in our Active Transportation grade (B+). Nonetheless, perception of green environments including outdoor air quality (44.0%), noise (39.6%) and green space (56.5%) showed lower scores, suggesting that new barriers to active lifestyles are emerging for South Korean children and adolescents. Gender differences were also observed for overall PA (≥60 min of MVPA for ≥4 d/wk: 29.1% for boys vs 11.3% for girls) and sleep (met age-specific recommendations: 17.3% for boys vs 11.4% for girls), but not for sedentary behavior (≤2 h/d screen time: 26.4% for boys and 24.9% for girls). Conclusions: Government and school policies/programs and the built environment are, in general, conducive to physically active lifestyles for South Korean children and adolescents; however, behavioural indicators received poor grades except for Active Transportation. A thorough evaluation of policies/programs at government, local, and school levels is needed to ensure that the efforts to have PA-enhancing infrastructure and systems are actually being translated into the behavior of children and adolescents in South Korea. Furthermore, improving PA surveillance, monitoring, and advocacy to ultimately establish healthy lifestyle patterns among children and adolescents is a top priority.

Keratin-mediated hair growth and its underlying biological mechanism.

Here we show that intradermal injection of keratin promotes hair growth in mice, which results from extracellular interaction of keratin with hair forming cells. Extracellular application of keratin induces condensation of dermal papilla cells and the generation of a P-cadherin-expressing cell population (hair germ) from outer root sheath cells via keratin-mediated microenvironmental changes. Exogenous keratin-mediated hair growth is reflected by the finding that keratin exposure from transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFß2)-induced apoptotic outer root sheath cells appears to be critical for dermal papilla cell condensation and P-cadherin-expressing hair germ formation. Immunodepletion or downregulation of keratin released from or expressed in TGFß2-induced apoptotic outer root sheath cells negatively influences dermal papilla cell condensation and hair germ formation. Our pilot study provides an evidence on initiating hair regeneration and insight into the biological function of keratin exposed from apoptotic epithelial cells in tissue regeneration and development.

The Potential Roles of Myokines in Adipose Tissue Metabolism with Exercise and Cold Exposure.

Exercise and cold exposure are two stimuli that have been suggested as solely effective to modulate adipose tissue metabolism and improve metabolic health in obese populations. The two primary organs involved in energy metabolism during exercise and/or cold exposure are skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Adipose tissue can be divided mainly into two types: white adipose tissue (WAT), which primarily stores energy, and brown adipose tissue (BAT), known as the primary source of thermogenesis. The exercise-stimulated release of myokines allows for crosstalk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, partially mediating the beneficial effects of exercise. Cold exposure is another trigger for the regulation of myokine secretions, thus increasing adipose tissue metabolism, especially via activation of BAT. Therefore, this has generated the hypothesis that exercise in conjunction with cold exposure might be the optimal regimen to regulate myokine profiles and gain more beneficial health effects. However, to date, human experimental data regarding different exercise (frequency, type, time and intensity) and cold exposure (temperature, time and frequency) patterns are scarce. In this review, we will summarize the current human clinical trials investigating the regulation of myokines induced by exercise combined with cold exposure, to elaborate on the roles of myokines in mediating adipose tissue metabolism.

Differences in salient beliefs associated with voluntary exercise training among South Korean firefighters before and after COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Participating in voluntary exercise training is important to meet occupational requirements as well as firefighters' health and safety. The purpose of this study is to identify salient beliefs associated with voluntary exercise training among firefighters in the pandemic era by comparing outcomes with those from a previous elicitation study, which was carried out before the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: A total of 57 firefighters are recruited to participate in an elicitation study. Participants are requested to respond to six open-ended questions related to voluntary exercise training. Content analysis is used to create categories that combine similar factors in each belief. Beliefs mentioned by more than 30% of participants are used for comparison with the results of the previous research. RESULTS: "Improves my physical ability" (n = 44) and "cause injury" (n = 17) are identified as behavioral beliefs in the present study, whereas "makes me tired" and "takes too much time" were also elicited in Lee's study. Normative beliefs are "family members" (n = 45) and "colleagues" (n = 27) and these results are consistent with those in Lee's study. "Lack of time" (n = 28), "exercise facilities" (n = 19), and "COVID-19" (n = 19) are elicited as control beliefs in the present study, whereas "physical condition" (n = 21) and "exercise partners" (n = 14) were elicited as other control beliefs, and "COVID-19" was not mentioned in Lee's study. CONCLUSION: This study can contribute valuable information about salient beliefs associated with exercise training behavior among firefighters, particularly under pandemic conditions. Future researchers should develop tailored exercise training programs for firefighters based on current elicited beliefs.

The effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibition on resistance exercise training-induced adaptation of bone and muscle quality in mice.

Aging in mammals, including humans, is accompanied by loss of bone and muscular function and mass, characterized by osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Although resistance exercise training (RET) is considered an effective intervention, its effect is blunted in some elderly individuals. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptor, FGFR, can modulate bone and muscle quality during aging and physical performance. To elucidate this possibility, the FGFR inhibitor NVP-BGJ398 was administrated to C57BL/6n mice for 8 weeks with or without RET. Treatment with NVP-BGJ398 decreased grip strength, muscular endurance, running capacity and bone quality in the mice. FGFR inhibition elevated bone resorption and relevant gene expression, indicating altered bone formation and resorption. RET attenuated tibial bone resorption, accompanied by changes in the expression of relevant genes. However, RET did not overcome the detrimental effect of NVP-BGJ398 on muscular function. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that FGFR signaling may have a potential role in the maintenance of physical performance and quality of bone and muscles.