The Response of the Amputee Athlete Heart to Chronic Core Exercise: A Study on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters, and N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide.

Background and Objectives: mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular causes are frequently experienced in amputees. Research on the effects of chronic exercise on biomarkers and cardiac damage indicators in these individuals is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a core training program on brain natriuretic-related peptide, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters in amputee soccer players. Materials and Methods: The participants were randomly allocated to the following two groups: a core exercise group (CEG) and a control group (CG). While the CG continued routine soccer training, the CEG group was included in a core exercise program different from this group. During the study, routine hemogram parameters of the participants, various biochemical markers, and the concentration of brain natriuretic-related peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were analyzed. Results: after the training period, notable improvements in various hematological parameters were observed in both groups. In the CEG, there were significant enhancements in red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values. Similarly, the CG also showed substantial improvements in RBC, HCT, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), MCHC, MCH, red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLCR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Moreover, in the CEG, serum triglycerides (TG) and maximal oxygen uptake (MaxVO2) exhibited significant increases. Conversely, TG levels decreased in the CG, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and MaxVO2 levels demonstrated substantial elevations. Notably, the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels did not undergo significant changes in either the CEG or the CG following the core exercise program (p > 0.05). However, in the CEG, a meaningful positive correlation was observed between NT-pro-BNP and creatine kinase (CK) levels before and after the core exercise program. Conclusions: the findings emphasized the potential benefits of core training in enhancing specific physiological aspects, such as erythrocyte-related parameters and lipid metabolism, as well as aerobic capacity. Furthermore, the observed correlation between NT-pro-BNP and CK levels in the CEG provides intriguing insights into the unique physiological adaptations of amputee athletes.

Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise.

Some individuals who go to fitness centers for various purposes perform resistance exercise (RE) alone, while others engage in combined exercise (CE) by including cardio exercises along with RE. Studying the effects of these two different training methods on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical function is an important step toward understanding the effects of different types of exercise on cardiac function. This knowledge has significant implications for public health, as it can inform the development of targeted and effective exercise programs that prioritize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the LV systolic and diastolic parameters of athletes who engage in RE and CE using ECHO, to contribute to the growing body of literature on the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise. Forty-two amateur athletes aged between 17 and 52 were included in our study. The participants consisted of the RE (n = 26) group who did only resistance exercise during the weekly exercise period, and the CE group (n = 16) who also did cardio exercise with resistance exercises. After determining sports age (year), weekly exercise frequency (day), and training volume (min) in addition to demographic information of RE and CE groups, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial functions were determined by ECHO. Findings from our study revealed that parameters including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p = .008), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p = .020), stroke volume index (SV-I) (p = .048), conduit volume (CV-I) (p = .001), and aortic strain (AS) (p = .017) were notably higher in the RE group compared to the CE group. Also left atrial active emptying volüme (LAAEV) of CE was higher than the RE group (p = .031). In conclusion, the cardiac parameters of the RE group showed more athlete's heart characteristics than the CE group. These results may help to optimize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise routines while minimizing the potential risks associated with improper training.

Investigation of Deltoid Muscle Activation From Different Angles in Body Building Athletes.

Objectives: It is known that bodybuilders suffer from shoulder injuries frequently. Therefore, it is important to determine the most appropriate form of movement during shoulder exercises. For this reason, this study was carried out to determine the most accurate form of movement by examining the deltoid muscle activation of bodybuilders from different angles. Methods: The survey model, one of the quantitative research techniques, was used in this study. 53 athletes (44 men, 9 women) with an age of 25.77±9.13 years, height of 177.07±8.40 cm, body weight of 78.06±14.16 kg, and body mass index of 24.78±3.43 kg/m2 who regularly attended bodybuilding gyms were included in the study. The deltoid activations of the participants was measured, while the glenohumeral joint is at 90°, the cubital joint is in abduction at 180°, 150° and 120°. surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback was determined using the Neurotrac Myoplus Pro device. Joint angles were determined with a goniometer. Statistical analyses of the study were performed using the SPSS 25 package program. It was found that the data were normally distributed and the Repeated measures Anova test was applied for comparisons. Results: As a result of statistical analysis, in male participants, mean deltoid sEMG values and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC [%]) significantly decreased with decreasing angle size (p<0.05). In female participants, the average sEMG and MVC (%) values did not change at different angles (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the research results, shoulder sEMG activations decrease in direct proportion to the angle in bodybuilders. When the glenohumeral joint is 90° and the cubital joint is 180°, the activation of the medial deltoid muscle is highest. It is suggested that bodybuilders should consider the results of our study when performing exercises to hypertrophy the deltoid muscle.

Effects of chronic core training on serum and erythrocyte oxidative stress parameters in amputee football players.

Objective: The positive impact of aerobic exercise on blood oxidative stress parameters is well documented. However, the effect of core exercises on these parameters in amputee football players (AF) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of core exercises on blood oxidative stress parameters in this population. Methods: Experimental method was adopted in the study. Eleven elite AF players participated in the study. The participants were divided randomly into two groups a core exercise group (CEG) and a control group (CG). Blood measurements were taken before and after the 8-week core exercise program. Blood measurements included erythrocyte Total Oxidant Status (eTOS), erythrocyte Total Antioxidant Status (eTAS), erythrocyte oxidative stress index (eOSI), serum nitric oxide (sNO), serum Total Oxidant Status (sTOS), serum Total Antioxidant Status (sTAS), serum oxidative stress index (sOSI), serum total thiol (sTT), serum native thiol (sNT), and serum disulfide (sDS) parameters were studied. Results: According to the results of the study, a significant difference was found between the 0th and eighth week pre-aerobic training load (ATL) sTOS (p = .028) values of CEG values. A significant difference was found in sTOS (p = .028) and sOSI (p = .028) values after the 0th and eighth-week pre-ATL. A significant difference was found in the sTOS (p = .043) and sOSI values (p = .043) of CG at week 0th and eighth-week pre-ATL. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that core exercises had a positive effect on blood oxidative stress parameters in AF players by reducing blood total oxidant levels.

Comparison of echocardiographic parameters of amputee football players with active football players and sedentary individuals.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters of amputee football players (AF) with those of athletes without a disability (football players) (FP), and sedentary individuals (SI). METHODS: A total of 37 male participants (nAF = 12, nFP = 12, nSI = 13) were included in the study. All participants underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Aortic diameter in systole (ADs), aortic diameter in diastole (ADd), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early (E) and late (A) wave velocities, myocardial systolic (S), early diastolic (E'), and late diastolic (A') myocardial rates, interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular end-systole diameter (LVDs), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left atrial diameter (LAD), and ascending aortic diameter (AAD) were measured. RESULTS: LVDd, E' were lower in AF than in FP. In contrast, LVDs, LVPWd, and A wave were higher in AF than in FP. When AF and SI groups were compared, ADs, LVPWd, A wave, IVRT, and S wave were higher in AF than in SI. ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between groups in LVPWd, A-wave, and E' wave. TTE data indicate that some parameters in AF differ from those observed in healthy individuals. The smaller LVEED diameter and higher PWT were found in AF. CONCLUSIONS: Although within normal limits, some ECHO parameters in the AF group differed from those without disability. Future studies should further investigate these differences using different and detailed measurement methods.

Comparación de las características físicas y motrices de personas con discapacidad visual totalmente baja visión / Comparison of physical and motoric characteristics of totally visually impaired and low vision individual

The purpose of this study is to compare the physical and motor characteristics of individuals with total visual impairment (TVI) and individuals with low vision (LVI). 250 participants (136 participants=TVI, 114 participants=LVI) bettween the age 10-19 participated in the study. Participants’ anthropometric features (age, height, weight, and BMI), balance, sitting reach, standing long jump, shuttle run, vertical jump, shuttle, hanging with bent arm, and handgrip strength were measured. Dr. Lovett's manual muscle strength measurement (MMSM) was used to determine the strength parameters. The strength of arm flexion strenght (FS), arm extension strenght (ES), leg FS, leg ES, hip FS, hip ES, back and abdominal strenght were measured. For statistical analysis the SPSS 25 was used. Therefore, Independent Sample T Test was used to determine the difference between the two groups. As a result of the statistical analyzes, a significant difference was found between TVI and LVI in balance, sit and reach, standing long jump, shuttle run, vertical jump, shuttle, handgrip strength, abdominal strength, back strength, hip FS, arm FS, and arm ES (p<0.05). LVI's motoric properties were better than TVI. There was no difference between groups in bent arm hanging (BAH), hip ES, leg FS and leg ES (p>0.05). As a result of the study, it was found that the degree of vision significantly affects physical and motor development. TVI develop slower than LVI in terms of physical and motor characteristics.This study was conducted to reveal the difference in motor characteristics between TVI and LVI. According to the results of this study; In order to prevent insufficient physical and motor development in TVI individuals in developmental age, it is recommended to be supported with sportive activities. The development of TVI individuals should be followed from early childhood and appropriate strategies should be developed. (AU)

El propósito de este estudio es comparar las características físicas y motoras de personas con discapacidad visual total (TVI) y personas con baja visión (LVI). 250 participantes (136 participantes=TVI, 114 participantes=LVI) entre 10-19 años participaron en el estudio. Se midieron las características antropométricas de los participantes (edad, altura, peso e IMC), el equilibrio, el alcance sentado, el salto de longitud de pie, la carrera de lanzadera, el salto vertical, la lanzadera, colgarse con el brazo doblado y la fuerza de agarre. Se utilizó la medición manual de la fuerza muscular (MMSM) del Dr. Lovett para determinar los parámetros de fuerza. Se midió la fuerza de flexión de brazo (FS), fuerza de extensión de brazo (ES), FS de pierna, ES de pierna, FS de cadera, ES de cadera, espalda y fuerza abdominal. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el SPSS 25. Por lo tanto, se utilizó la prueba T de muestra independiente para determinar la diferencia entre los dos grupos. Como resultado de los análisis estadísticos, se encontró una diferencia significativa entre TVI y LVI en equilibrio, sentarse y alcanzar, salto de longitud de pie, carrera lanzadera, salto vertical, lanzadera, fuerza de prensión manual, fuerza abdominal, fuerza de espalda, cadera FS, brazo FS y brazo ES (p<0,05). Las propiedades motoras de LVI fueron mejores que las de TVI. No hubo diferencia entre los grupos en brazo doblado colgando (BAH), cadera ES, pierna FS y pierna ES (p>0,05). Como resultado del estudio se encontró que el grado de visión afecta significativamente el desarrollo físico y motor. TVI se desarrolla más lentamente que LVI en términos de características físicas y motoras. Este estudio se realizó para revelar la diferencia en las características motoras entre TVI y LVI. Según los resultados de este estudio; Para prevenir un desarrollo físico y motor insuficiente en individuos TVI en edad de desarrollo, se recomienda apoyarlos con actividades deportivas. (AU)