Neuromuscular Control Strategies in Basketball Shooting: Distance-Dependent Analysis of Muscle Synergies.

Basketball victory relies on an athlete's skill to make precise shots at different distances. While extensive research has explored the kinematics and dynamics of different shooting distances, the specific neuromuscular control strategies involved remain elusive. This study aimed to compare the differences in muscle synergies during basketball shooting at different distances, offering insights into neuromuscular control strategies and guiding athletes' training. Ten skilled shooting right-handed male basketball players participated as subjects in this experiment. Electromyographic (EMG) data for full-phase shooting were acquired at short (3.2 m), middle (5.0 m), and long (6.8 m) distances. Non-negative matrix decomposition extracted muscle synergies (motor modules and motor primitives) during shooting. The results of this study show that all three distance shooting can be broken down into three synergies and that there were differences in the synergies between short and long distances, with differences in motor primitive 1 and motor primitive 2 at the phase of 45% - 59% (p < 0.001, t* = 4.418), and 78% - 88% (p < 0.01, t* = 4.579), respectively, and differences in the motor module 3 found in the differences in muscle weights for rectus femoris (RF) (p = 0.001, d = -2.094), and gastrocnemius lateral (GL) (p = 0.001, d = -2.083). Shooting distance doesn't affect the number of muscle synergies in basketball shooting but alters synergy patterns. During long distance shooting training, basketball players should place more emphasis on the timing and synergistic activation of upper and lower limbs, as well as core muscles.

Effects of dance sports exercise on vestibular function and balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss; a randomized quasi-experimental trial.

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) children have difficulty living and limited movement due to impaired vestibular function and reduced balance ability. Objectives: The present study evaluated the effects of Latin dance training on the vestibular function and balance of SNHL children. Methods: Thirty SNHL children with no difference in vestibular function and balance ability were randomly divided into two groups, the Latin dance training group (LTG, n = 15) and the control group (CONG, n = 15). Vestibular function, timed eyes-closed static (ECS) and functional reach test (FRT) were measured before and after the intervention, and a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. Results: After training, the vestibular function performance of LTG was higher than that of CONG (CONG: 16.425 ± 3.616 vs. LTG: 12.241 ± 2.610, p = 0.0411, ES = 1.3914), the left foot ECS performance of LTG was higher than that of CONG (CONG: 2.765 ± 0.872 vs. LTG: 4.688 ± 1.113, p = 0.0026, ES = 1.9857), the right foot ECS performance of LTG was higher than that of CONG (CONG: 3.113 ± 0.639 vs. LTG: 4.797 ± 1.071, p = 0.0137, ES = 2.01), the FRT performance of LTG was higher than that of CONG (CONG: 32.009 ± 6.134 vs. LTG: 43.797 ± 6.616, p = 0.0021, ES = 1.9135). Conclusions: After Latin dance training, SNHL children improved vestibular function and balance. The static balance ability of the left foot has been improved significantly than right foot.

Effects of Conditioning Contractions on Lower-Body Explosive Force Post-Static Stretching.

The present study assessed the impacts of two distinct protocols, static stretching (StS, 4 sets of 30 seconds) and static stretching combined with conditioning contractions (10 repetitive drop jumps) (SC), on neuromuscular response and rate of force development (RFD) in the lower limbs during squat jumps (SJs) at varying initial knee-joint angles (60°,90°,120°). Twelve participants completed three randomized experimental trials (no intervention, StS intervention, and SC intervention). Except for the intervention segments, each trial included standardized warm-ups and SJs at three different angles. Data were collected using a 3-dimensional injury motion capture system, an electromyography (EMG) recording system, and a force platform. The collected EMG data were subjected to amplitude calculations, while force-time data were used for RFD computation. Neither StS nor SC significantly impacted the average or peak EMG amplitudes of the five muscles examined (p>0.05). However, at an initial knee-joint angle of 120°, the StS group demonstrated significantly lower RFD values at three distinct phases (0-50 ms, 50-100 ms, and 0-peakforce) compared to those seen in the SC and control groups (p<0.05). For activities starting with a knee-joint angle of 120°, it is recommended to either avoid StS or combine it with ten repetitive drop jumps to mitigate any potential negative impact on explosiveness.

Comparing the Effects of Static Stretching Alone and in Combination with Post-Activation Performance Enhancement on Squat Jump Performance at Different Knee Starting Angles.

We aimed to investigate the impact of isolated static stretching (4 sets of 30 seconds) and its combined form with 10 repetitive drop jumps on lower limb performance during squat jumps at different knee joint starting angles (60°, 90°, and 120°). Thirteen participants completed three randomly ordered experimental visits, each including a standardized warm-up and squat jumps at three angles, apart from the intervention or control. Information was gathered through a three-dimensional movement tracking system, electromyography system, and force platform. The electromyography data underwent wavelet analysis to compute the energy values across the four wavelet frequency bands. The average power (Pavg), peak power (Ppeak), peak ground reaction force (GRFpeak), peak center of mass velocity (Vpeak), and force-velocity relationship at peak power (SFv) were extracted from the force and velocity-time data. The results revealed no significant influence of isolated static stretching, or its combined form with drop jumps, on the energy values across the frequency bands of the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris and rectus femoris, or the Pavg or Ppeak (P > 0.05). However, at 120°, static stretching reduced the GRFpeak (P = 0.001, d = 0.86) and SFv (P < 0.001, d = 1.12), and increased the Vpeak (P = 0.001, d = 0.5). The GRFpeak, Pavg, Ppeak, and SFv increased with an increase in the joint angle (P < 0.05), whereas the Vpeak decreased (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that static stretching does not diminish power output during squat jumps at the three angles; however, it alters GRFpeak, Vpeak, and the relative contributions of force and velocity to peak power at 120°, which can be eliminated by post-activation performance enhancement. Moreover, compared to 60° and 90°, 120° was more favorable for power and peak force output.

Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on Physical-Fitness-Related Indicators of Hearing-Impaired Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: The physical fitness (PF) of hearing-impaired students has always been an international research hotspot since hearing-impaired students have difficulty in social interactions such as exercise or fitness programs. Sports interventions are proven to improve the fitness levels of hearing-impaired students; however, few studies evaluating the influence of Cha-cha (a type of Dance sport) training on the PF levels of hearing-impaired students have been conducted. (2) Purpose: This study aimed to intervene in hearing-impaired children through 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training, evaluating its effects on their PF-related indicators, thus providing a scientific experimental basis for hearing-impaired children to participate in dance exercises effectively. (3) Methods: Thirty students with hearing impairment were randomly divided into two groups, and there was no difference in PF indicators between the two groups. The Cha-cha dance training group (CTG, n = 15) regularly participated in 90-min Cha-cha dance classes five times a week and the intervention lasted a total of 12 weeks, while the control group (CONG, n = 15) lived a normal life (including school physical education classes). Related indicators of PF were measured before and after the intervention, and a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed. (4) Results: After training, the standing long jump (CONG: 1.556 ± 0.256 vs. CTG: 1.784 ± 0.328, p = 0.0136, ES = 0.8081), sit-and-reach (CONG: 21.467 ± 4.539 vs. CTG: 25.416 ± 5.048, p = 0.0328, ES = 0.8528), sit-ups (CONG: 13.867 ± 4.912 vs. CTG: 27.867 ± 6.833, p < 0.0001, ES = 2.4677) and jump rope (CONG: 52.467 ± 29.691 vs. CTG: 68.600 ± 21.320, p = 0.0067, ES = 0.6547) scores showed significant differences. (5) Conclusions: After 12 weeks of Cha-cha dance training for hearing-impaired students, the PF level of hearing-impaired students in lower-body strength, flexibility, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were effectively improved; however, there was no significant change in body shape, upper-body strength, vital capacity, and speed ability.

Gender Differences in Lower Extremity Stiffness during a Single-Leg Landing Motion in Badminton.

In general, at the same level of exercise, female athletes are three to six times more likely to injure an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than male athletes. Female athletes also had higher rates of ACL injury than males in a single-leg landing task after a backcourt backhand side overhead stroke in badminton. In many previous studies, stiffness of the musculoskeletal system in the lower limbs has been reported as a potential factor contributing to differences in ACL injury rates between genders. The purpose of this study was to describe the differences between genders in leg and knee stiffness in male and female athletes during a single-leg landing action after the backhand side overhead shot in the backcourt. Eight male athletes and eight female athletes participated in this test. Leg stiffness and knee stiffness were calculated separately for male and female athletes during the landing phase. The results showed that both absolute and normalized leg stiffness were lower in female athletes than in male athletes (p < 0.05). And both absolute and normalized knee stiffness were also lower than male athletes (p < 0.05). The low leg stiffness and knee stiffness demonstrated by females in this single-leg drop task compared to male athletes may indicate that females have lower dynamic leg stability than males during the drop, which may lead to hypermobility of the knee joint and may put females at a higher risk of injury in this high-risk maneuver for non-contact cruciate ligament injuries.

Gender Differences in Neuromuscular Control during the Preparation Phase of Single-Leg Landing Task in Badminton.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the biomechanical mechanisms of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have been extensively studied, but studies on the neuromuscular control-related risk factors for an ACL injury in specific maneuvers have not been reported for badminton players. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Sixteen badminton players (8 male, 8 female) performed a single-leg badminton ball landing task, and lower limb muscle activity, kinematic data, and ground reaction force were measured during this procedure using marker-based movement analysis, force plates, and electromyography (EMG). Gender differences in the lower limb kinematic data, mean values of normalized lower limb muscle activation (MVC%), and co-contraction values during the landing preparation phase (100 ms before initial contact) were analyzed using MANOVA. RESULTS: In the badminton landing task, the knee valgus angle was greater in females than in males (6.27 ± 2.75 vs. 1.72 ± 3.20) in the pre-landing preparation position. Compared to male badminton players, females exhibited greater gluteus maximus (44.92 ± 18.00 vs. 20.34 ± 11.64), rectus femoris (41.56 ± 9.84 vs. 26.14 ± 10.46), and medial gastrocnemius (37.39 ± 17.31 vs. 19.11 ± 11.17) lateral gastrocnemius (36.86 ± 17.82 vs. 13.59 ± 2.71) muscle activity (MVC%). CONCLUSION: Female badminton players exhibit neuromuscular control strategies that may be inadequate for ACL protection and may be a potential risk factor for a high incidence of ACL injury In the future, when devising injury prevention plans for female badminton players, optimizing neuromuscular control during the pre-landing phase can be targeted.

Effect of slope change on kinematics of amateur golfers' full swing.

BACKGROUND: Golf courses are designed with uneven terrain. These factors are especially important when facing (slope), players need to straighten the posture of each part of the body in order to complete the swing on an inclined surface such as flat ground. Amateur players may be more likely to change the movement patterns of their shots due to uneven terrain. Therefore, it may be necessary to clarify the shot characteristics of amateur players and provide reference materials for technical improvement. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of slope on amateur golfers' swing kinematics by analyzing the variation of time variables, body center of gravity (COG), and shot parameters of amateur golfers' swing at different ground slopes. METHODS: Six male amateur golfers participated in the experiment. The 7-iron was used for 5 swings each at three slopes: flat ground (FG, 0∘), ball below foot (BBF, +10∘), and foot below ball (FBB, -10∘). The OptiTrack-Motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data, and the three-dimensional motion data will be transmitted to Visual3D software for subsequent data analysis such as golf swing division and body COG changes. Shot parameters (carry, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor) were recorded for each swing using the Caddie SC300 radar monitoring device. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no difference in the overall swing time and the time required for each interval at different slopes (p> 0.05) there is no significant difference in the change of the COG of the body in the forward and backward directions (p> 0.05). The three slopes of swing speed, ball speed, carry and smash factor were not significantly different (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The rhythm of the amateur golfer's swing was not affected by the slope, but the slope restricts the movement of the body's COG, which may affect the weight movement, and ultimately cause the performance parameters to not reach the level of the FG.

A Comparative Study of the Fatigue of the Lower Extremities According to the Type of Shoes Worn When Firing a 10 m Air Pistol.

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in shooting performance, physical stability, and lower extremity muscle fatigue in high-level shooters wearing shooting shoes and sports shoes, and to determine the causes. Eight high-level 10 m air pistol shooters wore shooting shoes and sports shoes in a simulated shooting qualification experiment (60 rounds in 75 min) and we recorded shooting scores, pressure centers (COP), and median frequency of muscle fatigue index (MDF). All the data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and are compared using a paired t-test. Athletes in shooting shoes scored higher than those in sports shoes (p < 0.05); COP moved less in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes; and fewer muscles experienced fatigue, with fatigue also occurring later, for athletes wearing shooting shoes rather than sports shoes. Shooting shoes may reduce the sway of athletes' center of pressure in the anterior−posterior and left−right directions, enhance postural stability, and result in higher shooting scores. In addition, they may make shooters feel more comfortable and relaxed during long training sessions and competitions.

Correlation of Lower Limb Muscle Activity with Knee Joint Kinematics and Kinetics during Badminton Landing Tasks.

A study on a single-leg landing task after an overhead stroke in badminton suggests that poor knee biomechanical indicators may be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A preventive program targeting neuromuscular control strategies is said to alter the biomechanics of the knee joint and have a beneficial effect on reducing ACL injury. However, the relationship between muscle activity around the knee joint and knee biomechanical risk factors in the badminton landing task is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between this movement pattern of muscle activity and knee kinematics and kinetics. This experiment analyzed knee muscle activity and biomechanical information in a sample of 34 badminton players (17 male, 17 female) during a badminton landing task. We assessed the relationship between the rectus femoris (RF), medial hamstring (MHAM), lateral hamstring (LHAM), medial gastrocnemius (MGAS), lateral gastrocnemius (LGAS), medial and lateral hamstring to quadriceps co-contraction ratio (MH/Q and LH/Q) with the knee flexion angle, valgus angle, extension moment, valgus moment, and proximal tibial anterior shear force. A moderate negative correlation was found between the peak knee flexion angle and electromyography (EMG) activity in LGAS (r = 0.47, p = 0.0046, R2 = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.70). Peak proximal tibial shear force showed strong and positive correlations with RF EMG activity (r = 0.52, p = 0.0016, R2 = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.73) and strong and negative correlations with MH/Q (r = 0.50, p = 0.0023, R2 = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.72). The knee extension moment showed moderate and positive correlations with RF EMG activity (r = 0.48, p = 0.0042, R2 = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.70) and strong and negative correlations with MH/Q (r = 0.57, p = 0.0004, R2 = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.76). The peak knee valgus moment showed strong and positive correlations with LH/Q (r = 0.55, p = 0.0007, R2 = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.75). Our findings suggest that there is a correlation between lower extremity muscle activity and knee kinematics and kinetics during the single-leg landing task in badminton; therefore, lower extremity muscle activity should be considered when developing rehabilitation or injury prevention programs.

Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on the Balance Ability of the Healthy Elderly.

Neuro-musculo-skeletal degradations with advancing age are generally accompanied with mobility problems and poor health status, contributing to impaired physical function and increased risk of falls. In an effort to diminish a fall-related risk such as unstable balance, a variety of interventions have been studied and implemented. Yet, there have been few studies to evaluate the effect of Cha-cha dance training on postural balance or balance performance of the elderly. The Cha-cha dance is composed of moderate rhythm and symmetrical movements and is easy to master and even easier for the elderly to begin. The purpose of this study was to intervene the fitness exercise through 12-week Cha-cha dance training, evaluate its impact on the balance ability of the elderly, and provide a scientific experimental basis for the elderly to participate in the Cha-cha dance exercise. Forty healthy elderly people with no difference in balance ability were randomly divided into two groups. The Cha-cha training group (CTG, n = 20) regularly participated in Cha-cha dance class, 3 times a week, 90 min each time, for a total of 12 weeks, and the control group (CONG, n = 20) did not participate in the class and engaged to their regular daily life. Dynamic and static balance were measured at pre and post intervention. Overall, the results showed that dynamic balance and static balance in CTG were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the results showed that the improvement was more significant in trials in left foot than right foot, and trials in closed eyes than open eyes, respectively. In conclusion, a 12-week Cha-cha dance class or program alone can be an effective intervention to improve balance of the elderly.

Application of Biomechanics Based on Intelligent Technology and Big Data in Physical Fitness Training of Athletes.

Physical training has a high degree of participation all over the world. With the opening of the era of national fitness, physical training has become more popular from the original specialization, and the complex training methods and contents have gradually become simplified. The development and change of physical training has also brought many problems to the professional training of athletes, such as high training intensity but poor effect, insufficient training posture, and long-term physical injury. In order to help athletes achieve better results in physical training and reduce the probability of injury, taking sprint training as an example, this article adopted the sports and body data of elite athletes through intelligent technology and big data analysis, established a human motion model from the perspective of biomechanics, and then conducted a corresponding test run experiment for athletes. The experimental results suggested that drag resistance running could improve the specific strength quality of sprinting. At the same time, when using resistance load for training, the maximum speed should not exceed 90% of the maximum speed without resistance. The average horizontal maximum velocity decreased by approximately 9% when training under a resistance load, and the best training results were obtained by training athletes within this range.

Influence of Sports Biomechanics on Martial Arts Sports and Comprehensive Neuromuscular Control under the Background of Artificial Intelligence.

Neuromuscular control refers to the reflexes of nerves that affect muscle balance and function. In addition, there are interactions between joint structure, muscle function, and the central nervous system. In the integration with other intelligent control methods and optimization algorithms, such as fuzzy control/expert verification and genetic algorithm, it provides nonparametric object models, optimization parameters, reasoning models, and fault diagnosis. The central nervous system is the main research object of neuromuscular control. Martial arts often cause injuries or affect the progress of martial arts because of some irregular movements. Chinese traditional martial arts is another name for "martial arts" in the late Qing Dynasty in China. It is mainly reflected in the individual's application and attainments in martial arts traditional teaching methods and personal cultivation. Therefore, this paper proposes an analysis of the influence of sports biomechanics on martial arts sports and comprehensive neuromuscular control in the context of artificial intelligence. In this paper, the specific research of Wushu sports is carried out mainly in two aspects: sports biomechanics and neuromuscular control. It uses a variety of algorithms, successively using particle swarm algorithm, neural network structure, fitness function, and so on. This paper compares and analyzes their accuracy and then selects the optimal algorithm. It then conducts experimental research on the martial arts movements of professional martial arts Sanda players. The final experimental conclusion shows that, regarding lower limb selective response time and the middle left lower limb prereaction time (L-PMT) of the elite athlete group and the ordinary athlete group, the average movement value of the elite group of 2.336 is significantly greater than that of the ordinary group of 1.938. This shows that, within a certain range, the larger the knee angle and the smaller the hip angle, the stronger the ability to buffer the impact of the ground, without causing greater damage to the muscles and joints.

Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control Training in Table Tennis Training Based on Big Data.

Thinking of big data as a collection of huge and sophisticated data sets, it is hard to process it effectively with current data management tools and processing methods. Big data is reflected in that the scale of data exceeds the scope of traditional volume measurement, and it is difficult to collect, store, manage, and analyze through traditional methods. Analyzing the biomechanics of table tennis training through big data is conducive to improving the training effect of table tennis, so as to formulate corresponding neuromuscular control training. This paper mainly analyzes various indicators in biomechanics and kinematics in table tennis training under big data. Under these metrics, an improved decision tree method was then used to analyze the differences between athletes trained for neuromuscular control and those who did not. It analyzed the effect of neuromuscular control training on the human body through different experimental control groups. Experiments showed that after nonathletes undergo neuromuscular control training, the standard rate of table tennis hitting action increases by 10% to 20%, reaching 80%. The improvement of athletes is not very obvious.

Genomic Landscape and Clinical Utility in Korean Advanced Pan-Cancer Patients from Prospective Clinical Sequencing: K-MASTER Program.

The fundamental principle of precision oncology is centralized on the identification of therapeutically exploitable targets that provides individual patients with cancer an opportunity to make informed decisions on a personalized level. To facilitate and adopt such concepts within clinical practice, we have initiated a nationwide, multi-institutional precision oncology screening program to examine and enroll patients into the most appropriate clinical trial based on their tumor's unique molecular properties. To determine the prevalence of essential major driver mutations and to explore their dynamic associations at both molecular and pathway levels, we present a comprehensive overview on the genomic properties of East Asian patients with cancer. We further delineate the extent of genomic diversity as well as clinical actionability in patients from Western and Eastern cultures at the pan-cancer and single-tumor entity levels. To support fellow oncology communities in future investigations involving large-scale analysis, all data have been made accessible to the public (https://kmportal.or.kr). SIGNIFICANCE: We present a comprehensive overview of molecular properties of East Asian pan-cancer patients and demonstrate significant diversity in terms of genomic characteristics as well as clinical utility compared with patients with European ancestry. The results of this study will lay the groundwork for designing personalized treatments in the clinical setting. See related commentary by Moyers and Subbiah, p. 886. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 873.

Physical and Biological Performance Evaluation of Disinfection Systems for Transportation Vehicles against AI Virus.

To prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases that inflict huge economic and social losses, domestic livestock farms and related facilities have introduced automatic and semiautomatic disinfectant solution-spraying systems for vehicles. However, the facility standards and specifications vary by manufacturer, and no scientific performance evaluation has been conducted. The puropose of this study is to develop physical and biological evaluation methods. Physical and biological appraisals were conducted using two types of disinfection facilities (tunnel- and U-type) and two types of vehicles (passenger car, truck). Water-sensitive paper was used to evaluate the physical performance values for the disinfection facilities. In addition, to assess their biological performance, carriers containing low-pathogenic avian influenza virus were attached to vehicles, and the viral reduction was measured after the vehicles moved through the facility. The tunnel-type had rates of coverage in the range of 70-90% for the passenger car and 60-90% for the truck. At least 4-log virus reduction after spraying for 1-5 min was shown for both vehicles. For the U-type facility evaluation, the coverage rates were in the range of 60-90% for the passenger car and at least 90% for the truck. More than 4-log viral reduction was estimated within a spraying time of 5 min. To reduce viruses on the surface of vehicles by at least 4 log within a short period, the disinfectant solution should cover at least 71% of the pathogens. In conclusion, we were able to assess the physical and biological performance criteria for disinfection facilities aboard transportation vehicles.

Effects of School-Based Exercise Program on Obesity and Physical Fitness of Urban Youth: A Quasi-Experiment.

(1) Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an after-school intervention program could prevent obesity and promote the physical fitness of urban sedentary school children. (2) Methods: A 16-week after-school physical fitness program was provided to 36 middle school students (7th, 8th, and 9th graders) recruited from a middle school for three days a week. They were high-risk youth showing poor health status (level 4 or 5) in the regular physical fitness evaluation conducted. Their body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, quickness, and flexibility were evaluated. (3) Results: A paired sample t-test was used (α = 0.05). There were statistical differences ((x ± s), p < 0.05) between the pre-Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) (13.36 ± 4.98 (# of laps)) and post-PACER (18.64 ± 6.31 (# of laps)) (p < 0.001), between the pre-sit-up (18.06 ± 7.22 (# of sit-ups)) and post-sit-up (24.89 ± 7.52 (# of sit-ups)) (p < 0.001), and between the pre-Trunk Flexion (2.64 ± 3.49 ((cm))) and post-Trunk Flexion (5.97 ± 2.78 ((cm)) (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the pre-50m-Run (10.74 ± 1.30 ((sec))) and post-50m-Run results (10.69 ± 1.25 (sec)) (p = 0.063) or between the pre-BMI (24.84 ± 3.97 (kg/m2)) and post-BMI (24.76 ± 3.61 (kg/m2)) (p = 0.458). Overall, the physical fitness measures improved, whereas BMI did not change after 16 weeks. (4) Conclusion: Sixteen weeks of the school-based Health-related Physical Fitness (HrPF) program can be effective in improving overall physical fitness levels of adolescents, although additional treatments would be required to change BMI, which showed no improvement in the present study. It is concluded that in order for adolescents to maintain and promote physical fitness and health, participation in a school-based HrPF program is recommended for at least 30 min a day, three days a week. In addition, schools should provide high-risk youth with easy access to physical activities that are similar to the objectives of the physical education curriculum. In order to promote the health of school-age children, each school should establish and operate school-based systematic intervention programs.

Effects of Elastic Band Exercise on Functional Fitness and Blood Pressure Response in the Healthy Elderly.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of moderate intensity elastic band exercise (EBE) on functional fitness and blood pressure parameters in the elderly. Methods: 27 healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 15, age: 75.1 ± 1.4 years) and a control group (n = 12, age: 72.3 ± 1.4 years). Participants performed EBE for 60 min, three times a week, over the course of three months. The EBE consisted of incremental resistance and aerobic exercises designed to improve whole body fitness. Functional fitness and resting cardiovascular parameters were assessed before and after the exercise training program. Results: Grip strength, sit and reach, and one-leg stance improved significantly in the exercise group, while no significant improvements were found in chair stand and timed up and go (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular parameters including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure significantly decreased in the exercise group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings of the present study suggest that safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible EBE program with circuit training components play a significant role in improving upper and lower body fitness, as well as cardiovascular fitness, in the elderly.

Effects of acute cooling on cycling anaerobic exercise performance and neuromuscular activity: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: While cryotherapy is known for its favorable long-term recovery effects on muscle-damaging eccentric and plyometric exercises, studies showed that cryotherapy when used as an acute recovery mode (same day) had a negligible or negative effect on high-intensity and explosive exercises. However, there is lack of evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effect of acute cooling on the anaerobic performance. We hypothesized that acute cooling for the lower body would reduce anaerobic power output during a subsequent Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT), which is at least in part due to decreased neuromuscular firing rate as indexed by mean frequency. METHODS: We performed a randomized crossover design experiment. Eleven young healthy males completed two consecutive 30-sec Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT 1 and 2). Subjects rested for 10 min between the WAnT 1 and the WAnT 2. Neuromuscular activity on the rectus femoris of both legs was recorded using wireless electromyography (EMG) during WAnT. RESULTS: Anaerobic power during the first 5 sec of WAnT 2 was decreased in the cooling suit recovery group relative to WAnT 1. Mean frequency (MNF) in WAnT 2 was also lower in a cooled leg during WAnT 2 during the first 10 sec when compared with WAnT 1. CONCLUSIONS: Acute cooling application blunts the initial phase of anaerobic power output during a subsequent WAnT, which could be explained by a concomitant reduction in neuromuscular firing rate. Given that cryotherapy is widely utilized in a variety of sports, athletes and trainers should pay close attention to the appropriate application of cryotherapy.

Evaluation of the disinfectant concentration used on livestock facilities in Korea during dual outbreak of foot and mouth disease and high pathogenic avian influenza.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Korea caused massive economic losses in 2010. Since then, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) has enhanced disinfection systems regarding livestock to prevent horizontal transmission of FMD and Avian influenza (AI). Although the amount of disinfectant used continues to increase, cases of FMD and AI have been occurring annually in Korea, except 2012 and 2013. OBJECTIVES: This study measured the concentration of the disinfectant to determine why it failed to remove the horizontal transmission despite increased disinfectant use. METHODS: Surveys were conducted from February to May 2017, collecting 348 samples from disinfection systems. The samples were analyzed using the Standards of Animal Health Products analysis methods from QIA. RESULTS: Twenty-three facilities used inappropriate or non-approved disinfectants. Nearly all sampled livestock farms and facilities-93.9%-did not properly adjust the disinfectant concentration. The percentage using low concentrations, or where no effective substance was detected, was 46.9%. Furthermore, 13 samples from the official disinfection station did not use effective disinfectant, and-among 72 samples from the disinfection station-88.89% were considered inappropriate concentration, according to the foot-and-mouth disease virus guidelines; considering the AIV guideline, 73.61% were inappropriate concentrations. Inappropriate concentration samples on automatic (90.00%) and semi-automatic (90.90%) disinfection systems showed no significant difference from manual methods (88.24%). Despite this study being conducted during the crisis level, most disinfectants were used inappropriately. CONCLUSIONS: This may partially explain why horizontal transmission of FMD and AI cannot be effectively prevented despite extensive disinfectant use.