Impact of Religion-Based Mindful Walking Meditation on Cardiometabolic and Mental Health.

Walking meditation or mindful walking is a widely performed form of Buddhist practice that focuses on mind-body interactions. We have found that this particular form of exercise was highly effective in eliciting improvements in cardiometabolic and functional fitness measures in a number of clinical populations. In some key measures, the magnitudes of benefits were greater than the traditional walking program.

Physical Fitness and Exercise Performance of Transgender Women.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the evolving participation of transgender adults in exercise and sports, research investigating the physical fitness of transgender women remains scarce in the scientific literature. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a variety of reference-standard measures of physical fitness of transgender women who had undergone gender-affirming orchiectomy (30 ± 4 years; n = 15) and who had not (27 ± 4 years: n = 15) were compared with reference males (28 ± 5 years; n = 15) and reference females (29 ± 5 years; n = 15) who were matched for age and estimated physical activity level. Transgender women had been undergoing feminizing gender-affirming therapy for 8-10 years. RESULTS: Height and lean mass of arms, legs, and trunk (measured via DXA) of transgender women were greater than those of reference females but lower than those of reference males (all p < 0.05). No significant differences were in isokinetic muscular torque found between reference females and transgender women. Both absolute and relative measures of maximal oxygen consumption were greater in reference males than in reference females and transgender women (all p < 0.05) with no significant difference between the latter two groups. Reference males had greater peak Wingate anaerobic power (expressed in both absolute and relative to body weight), countermovement jump, and squat jump than reference females and transgender women (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in anaerobic power between reference females and transgender women. The results on the field tests, including agility T-test and sprint running acceleration, were consistent with the anaerobic power tests. There were no statistical differences in any of the physical fitness measures between transgender women with and without orchiectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender women demonstrated similar levels of reference-standard measures of physical fitness to females that were significantly lower than males.

Effectiveness of different recovery postures during high-intensity interval training.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a very popular mode of exercise practiced by the elite as well as recreationally active adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four recovery postures that are typically used by exercisers on recovery rate and performance in subsequent bouts of HIIT. METHODS: Sixteen young, healthy adults performed four HIIT trials with randomized recovery postures. Each trial consisted of four sets of modified Wingate anaerobic power tests (20-sec duration) on a cycle ergometer (Monark 894E, Vansbro, Sweden) separated by four-minute recovery between each exercise set. Participants adopted one of four recovery postures immediately following each set: standing still with hands on the back of the head (head), standing still with hands resting on knees (knees), slow walking with hands on hips (walking), or supine rest (supine). Differences were assessed by a two-way (posture × set) repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Peak and mean anaerobic power progressively declined within each set (P<0.05), with no differences between postures. Fatigue rate was significantly slower during supine (59±12%) than knees (63±13%). Heart rate recovery was faster (P<0.001) during supine than the other three standing postures. Pulmonary ventilation was not significantly different between postures. Blood lactate concentrations measured after HIIT were not significantly different between postures. CONCLUSIONS: Supine posture appears to be more advantageous in facilitating recovery when compared to the three standing postures. None of the recovery postures examined was responsible for better performance in subsequent bouts of HIIT.

Nordic Walking in Water on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Aquatic Nordic walking (ANW) is a novel whole-body low-impact exercise that can be practiced by a variety of older adults with chronic conditions. However, its efficacy on several aspects of health is largely unknown. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of regular ANW on glycemic control and vascular function in older adults with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Thirty-three older adults with type 2 diabetes age 60-75 yr were randomly allocated to nonexercising control ( n = 17) or ANW ( n = 17) groups. Nordic walking was performed in a pool at water temperature of 34°C-36°C, three times per week for 12 wk. RESULTS: Measures of functional physical fitness including chair stand, timed up and go, chair sit and reach, reach and back scratch, and 6-min walk test scores were all improved after ANW (all P < 0.05). Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (all P < 0.05) in ANW. Vascular reactivity as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation increased, and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased in ANW (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index decreased with ANW under normocapnia condition ( P < 0.05). Cerebrovascular conductance increased with ANW under hypercapnia condition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score increased in the ANW group ( P < 0.001). Changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were positively associated with corresponding changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( r = 0.540, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Nordic walking in water was a safe and effective innovative exercise modality to improve glycemic control, vascular function, physical fitness, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Home-Based Buddhist Walking Meditation Mitigates Cardiotoxicity of Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of walking meditation on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy and compare with the nonexercising control group. Methods: Patients aged 40-60 years with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed resected stage I-II breast cancer were studied in a parallel randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to either the nonexercising control group (n = 15) or the Buddhist walking meditation group (n = 15). All participants received four cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy every 3 weeks starting at 2 weeks before the start of the exercise intervention. The walking meditation group performed home-based mindfulness walking exercises at a moderate exercise intensity for 30 min/session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were vascular reactivity (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]). Results: Eleven participants from each group completed the entire study. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that FMD and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) decreased in both groups after the initiation of anthracycline chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). After the exercise intervention, FMD, VO2peak, peak stroke volume, and peak cardiac output remained lower in the controls, but improved in the walking meditation group (all p < 0.05). baPWV increased in the control group, while no such change was observed in the walking meditation group. There were no significant changes in blood cortisol, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6 concentrations in both groups. Overall quality of life decreased after 2 weeks of anthracycline chemotherapy in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, the walking meditation group improved many of these symptoms significantly (all p < 0.05), while no such changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: Buddhist walking meditation exercise was effective in mitigating cardiotoxicity of anthracycline chemotherapy on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02676531.

Physiological Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Blood Flow Restriction in Masters Road Cyclists.

PURPOSE: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training have been used to enhance athletic performance and cardiovascular health. Combining these training modalities might be an effective training modality for masters athletes who seek to enhance athletic performance and to reduce cardiovascular risks. METHODS: Fifty masters road cyclists age 35-49 yr were randomly assigned to the continuous exercise training (n = 16), continuous plus HIIT (n = 17), and continuous plus BFR training combined with HIIT (BFRIT; n = 17) for 12 wk. Both HIIT and BFRIT were performed on a cycle ergometer twice a week. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) increased in the HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). This was accompanied by significant improvements in maximal cardiac output and stroke volume (P < 0.05). Forty-kilometer time trial performance improved in all three groups (P < 0.05). Peak power output increased in both HIIT and BFRIT groups (P < 0.05). Flow-mediated dilation in both brachial and popliteal arteries increased in all three groups (all P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in any of the groups. Total lean mass, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness in rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, and peak torque of isokinetic knee extension increased only in the BFRIT group (all P < 0.05). Tissue saturation index decreased only in the BFRIT group (P < 0.05). Changes in 40-km time trial performance were associated with corresponding changes in V̇O2max (r = -0.312, P = 0.029) and peak isokinetic extensor torque (r = -0.432, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Including HIIT particularly with BFR in the routine continuous training may be more effective in enhancing performance and physiological functions in masters road cyclists.

Cardiorespiratory burden of brass neck coils placed on Kayan Karen long-neck women of Thailand.

There is only scarce information regarding the physiological and health impact of lifelong wearing of the neck brass coils in Karen Kayan women. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of wearing brass neck coils on cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular functions in long-neck Karen women. A total of 28 Karen women (aged 23-66 years) were studied. Fourteen Karen women who had been wearing neck brass coils were compared with 14 Karen women with no neck coils. We also studied 14 age-matched city-living controls. Radiographic examination of 2 older Karen women wearing neck coils showed low levels of the clavicles. There were no group differences in resting heart rate and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was greater and functional capacity was lower in both Karen women than city-living controls (all p < 0.05). Karen women wearing neck coils demonstrated lower flow-mediated dilation, lung functions, including forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume during the first second, and cerebral blood flow velocity than Karen women without neck coils (all p < 0.05). Karen women wearing neck coils demonstrate reduced endothelial and pulmonary functions as well as cerebral perfusion compared with age-matched Karen women without neck coils living in the same villages. Brass neck coils worn by Karen women may elevate risks of developing cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular diseases. Novelty Cerebral blood flow velocity and macrovascular and microvascular functions were lower in Karen wearing neck coils. There appears to be substantial burden of brass neck coils exerted on physiological systems in Karen women.

Effects of aerobic exercise and vitamin C supplementation on rhinitis symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise training and vitamin C supplementation have both been recommended as an effective adjuvant treatment in the management of symptoms in patients with many diseases. However, its effects on rhinitis symptoms remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise training alone, and in combination with vitamin C supplementation, on rhinitis symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients. METHODS: Twenty-seven rhinitis patients were randomized into 3 groups: control (CON; n = 8), exercise (EX; n = 9), and exercise combined with vitamin C (EX + Vit.C; n = 10). The exercise training protocol consisted of walking and/or running on a treadmill at 65-70% heart rate reserve for 30 min per session, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The EX + Vit.C group ingested 2,000 mg vitamin C per day. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, both EX and EX + Vit.C groups increased peak aerobic capacity and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and exhibited significantly decreased rhinitis symptoms, nasal blood flow (NBF) and malondialdehylde levels compared to pre-test. Rhinitis symptoms and NBF after nasal challenge with house dust mite decreased significantly in the EX and EX + Vit.C groups. The EX and EX + Vit.C groups had significantly lower nasal secretion interleukin (IL)-4, but higher nasal secretion IL-2 levels, than the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly confirms that aerobic exercise training significantly improved clinical of allergic rhinitis and cytokine profiles. Nonetheless, with the limited power of small sample size, whether adding vitamin C is any beneficial is not shown. A larger randomized controlled trial is thus warranted.

Effects of High-Intensity Intermittent Training on Vascular Function in Obese Preadolescent Boys.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) may serve as an effective alternative to traditional endurance training, since HIIT has been shown to induce greater improvements in aerobic fitness and health-related markers in adult populations. Our objective was to determine whether HIIT and supramaximal high-intensity intermittent training (supra-HIIT) would improve vascular structure and function in obese preadolescent boys. METHODS: Before the baseline testing, 48 obese preadolescent boys, aged 8-12 years, were randomly assigned into control (CON; n = 16), HIIT (8 × 2 minutes at 90% peak power output, n = 16), and supra-HIIT (8 × 20 seconds at 170% peak power output, n = 16) groups. Both exercise groups performed exercises on a cycle ergometer three times/week for 12 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, both HIIT and supra-HIIT did not affect body mass, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) increased in both HIIT and supra-HIIT groups (p < 0.05). Both HIIT and supra-HIIT groups had higher resting metabolic rate than the control group (p < 0.05). A measure of arterial stiffness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness decreased after 12 weeks of HIIT and supra-HIIT program (all p < 0.05). Flow-mediated dilation, a measure of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, increased in both HIIT and supra-HIIT groups (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that both HIIT and supra-HIIT have favorable effects on aerobic capacity, metabolic rate, vascular function and structure, and blood lipid profile in obese preadolescent boys. HIIT may be a time efficient and effective exercise for preventing future cardiovascular disease in obese children.

The Relative Efficacy of Land-Based and Water-Based Exercise Training on Macro- and Microvascular Functions in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. Twenty-nine older patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into the land-based (LB; n = 14) or water-based (WB; n = 15) groups. Both groups completed supervised aerobic cycling exercises three times per week for 12 weeks. The WB group performed cycling exercise training in warm water (36 °C) immersed to the hip level. After 12 weeks, blood glucose concentration and insulin resistance did not change but hemoglobin A1c levels decreased (P < .05) in both groups. Plasma nitric oxide concentrations increased (P < .05) in both groups. Flow-mediated dilation in the popliteal artery increased and arterial stiffness decreased (P < .05) in both exercise groups. Indices of microvascular reactivity improved (P < .05) only in the WB group. The benefits of warm water-based training were similar in general, and superior in some measures, to the more established land-based cycling exercise.

Effects of Buddhist walking meditation on glycemic control and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effects of Buddhist walking meditation and traditional walking on glycemic control and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Twenty three patients with type 2 diabetes (50-75 years) were randomly allocated into traditional walking exercise (WE; n=11) or Buddhism-based walking meditation exercise (WM; n=12). Both groups performed a 12-week exercise program that consisted of walking on the treadmill at exercise intensity of 50-70% maximum heart rate for 30min/session, 3 times/week. In the WM training program, the participants performed walking on the treadmill while concentrated on foot stepping by voiced "Budd" and "Dha" with each foot step that contacted the floor to practice mindfulness while walking. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, maximal oxygen consumption increased and fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.05). Significant decrease in HbA1c and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed only in the WM group. Flow-mediated dilatation increased significantly (p<0.05) in both exercise groups but arterial stiffness was improved only in the WM group. Blood cortisol level was reduced (p<0.05) only in the WM group. CONCLUSION: Buddhist walking meditation exercise produced a multitude of favorable effects, often superior to traditional walking program, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Pursed-Lip Breathing Exercise Using Windmill Toy on Lung Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in the Elderly.

Background: Aging results in decline in lung function and reduction of respiration muscle strength. Objective: To investigate whether pursed-lip breathing exercise, using windmill toy, can improve lung function, and respiratory muscle strength in the elderly. Material and Method: Fifty-four older men and women (aged 60 to 75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups, control (CON, n = 18), diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE, n = 18), and pursed-lips breathing exercise (PBE, n = 18) group. The DBE group was subjected to deep breathing exercises by slowly inhaling and exhaling through the nose. The PBE group was subjected to a breathing maneuver that comprised of inhaling gently through the nose, and then slowly and gently squeeze air out through pursed-lips using windmill toy to control the airflow. Both breathing exercise groups (PBE and DBE) performed the maneuvers three times per week for 12 weeks. Shortness of breath, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), lung function, and respiratory muscle strength were measured at pre- and post-test. Results: Shortness of breath scores, the ratio of force vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were significantly increased (all p<0.05) in the PBE group compared to CON and DBE groups at weeks 12. However, no significant differences in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were observed in all three groups. Conclusion: Pursed-lips breathing exercise using a windmill toy is an effective breathing exercise intervention for improving lung function and respiratory muscle strength in the elderly.

Arterial stiffness is associated with age-related differences in cerebrovascular conductance.

To determine if arterial stiffness is associated with age-related differences in cerebrovascular conductance and reactivity, twenty-eight apparently healthy sedentary young (25±1 years; n=15) and older (67±1 years; n=13) adults were studied. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness. Cerebrovascular reactivity was determined by measuring changes in mean blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery under normocapnic, hypocapnic and hypercapnic conditions. Mean baPWV was greater (p<0.05) in older compared with young adults. At baseline, mean cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance index were lower (p<0.05) in older compared with young adults under normocapnic, hypocapnic and hypercapnic conditions. There were no significant group differences in cerebrovascular reactivity when they were adjusted for stimuli (i.e., end-tidal CO2 concentrations) in most perturbation conditions except for the normocapnia to hypercapnia condition. baPWV was negatively associated with cerebrovascular conductance index at all conditions (all p<0.05). We concluded that arterial stiffness was associated with age-related differences in cerebrovascular conductance and that there were no apparent age-associated differences in cerebrovascular reactivity.

Antioxidant status in haemoglobin E carriers after acute and chronic strenuous exercises.

Haemoglobin E (HbE), an unstable haemoglobin, is highly susceptible to oxidative damages. We examined how acute or chronic physiological challenge induced by exercise affects antioxidant response in HbE carriers. Two independent studies were conducted in individuals with HbE trait and paired normal Hb. In study 1, sedentary participants were tested in a graded maximal exercise and blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after an acute exercise. Our data showed that erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity failed to recover in HbE carriers after 45 minutes of rest. In study 2, athletes were trained in a 10-week strenuous training and blood samples were collected before and after training period. We found that athletes with HbE carriers showed a larger increase in plasma GPx activity compared to those with normal Hb. These data suggest that HbE carriers could cope with exercise-induced oxidative stress by adjusting endogenous antioxidant markers.

The Acute Effects of Supramaximal High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Vascular Function in Lean vs. Obese Prepubescent Boys.

PURPOSE: To determine the acute effects of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) on vascular function. METHODS: Lean (n = 18, BMI = 17.1 ± 0.7) and obese (n = 17, BMI = 25.4 ± 0.8) prepubescent boys aged 10.2 ± 0.2 years were studied. HIIE consisted of 8 sets of 20 s of cycle ergometry at 100, 130, and 170% of VO2peak alternating with 10 s of rests. RESULTS: The obese group had higher (p < .05) body mass, BMI, body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio than the lean group. Carotid artery wall thickness and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were greater in the obese than in the lean group (p < .05). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was not different between the groups. Total energy expenditure increased gradually as the exercise intensity increased in both groups (p < .05). The obese group had significantly greater total energy expenditure in all three HIIE intensities than the lean group. FMD tended to be higher and baPWV lower as the exercise intensity increased in both groups. Only the HIIE at 170% demonstrated greater FMD compared with the baseline in both groups. baPWV decreased significantly after HIIE at 130 and 170% VO2peak in both groups. CONCLUSION: Supramaximal HIIE can be a feasible exercise modality for improving vascular function in obese prepubescent boys. Future exercise intervention studies are warranted.

Cell-derived microparticles after exercise in individuals with G6PD Viangchan.

Glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient cells are sensitive to oxidative damage leading to the formation of microparticles (MPs). Therefore, we examined the concentration of MPs and changes in the antioxidant balance after an acute strenuous exercise (SEx) and moderate-intensity exercise (MEx). Eighteen healthy females (18-24 years) with G6PD normal and eighteen age-matched females with G6PD Viangchan (871G>A) were tested by running on a treadmill at their maximal oxygen uptake for SEx and at 75% of their maximal heart rate for MEx. It was found that SEx triggered the release of total microparticles (TTMPs) above baseline levels and remained significantly higher 45 minutes after the exercise in G6PD normal individuals. However, SEx-induced increase in TTMPs was significantly higher in G6PD Viangchan as compared to G6PD normal. In contrast, MEx did not to alter the release of TTMPs in both G6PD normal and Viangchan. Moreover, TTMPs concentrations were inversely correlated with G6PD activity (r =-0.82, P <  0.05) but positively correlated with MDA concentrations (r = 0.74, P <  0.05). Using cell specific antibodies, we determined that MPs were mainly derived from platelets and erythrocytes. Altogether, the present study indicates that G6PD Viangchan may participate in MEx without higher MPs concentration and oxidative stress compared with G6PD normal.

Effects of Buddhism walking meditation on depression, functional fitness, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in depressed elderly.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the novel Buddhism-based walking meditation (BWM) and the traditional walking exercise (TWE) on depression, functional fitness, and vascular reactivity. DESIGN: This was a randomized exercise intervention study. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was conducted in a university hospital setting. SUBJECTS: Forty-five elderly participants aged 60-90 years with mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms were randomly allocated to the sedentary control, TWE, and BWM groups. INTERVENTIONS: The BWM program was based on aerobic walking exercise incorporating the Buddhist meditations performed 3 times/week for 12 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression score, functional fitness, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation as measured by the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were the outcome measures used. RESULTS: Muscle strength, flexibility, agility, dynamic balance, and cardiorespiratory endurance increased in both exercise groups (p<0.05). Depression score decreased (p<0.05) only in the BWM group. FMD improved (p<0.05) in both exercise groups. Significant reduction in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein were found in both exercise groups, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cortisol, and interleukin-6 concentrations decreased only in the BWM group. CONCLUSIONS: Buddhist walking meditation was effective in reducing depression, improving functional fitness and vascular reactivity, and appears to confer greater overall improvements than the traditional walking program.

The effect of acute exhaustive and moderate intensity exercises on nasal cytokine secretion and clinical symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergens. There is evidence that exercise can significantly improve personal health and has positive effects on immune function. However, the effects of acute exercise on the inflammatory response and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis are still unclear. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of acute exhaustive and moderate exercises on cytokine levels and clinical symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Thirteen allergic rhinitis patients (AR) and 14 healthy subjects (C) were required to complete two running exercise protocols, which included an exhaustive exercise bout using the Bruce protocol performed to exhaustion and moderate exercise performed at 65-70% HRR for 30 minutes. Physiological characteristics, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and cytokine secretions and serum levels were comparatively analyzed before and after each type of exercise. RESULTS: The total immunoglobulin E levels in the AR group were significantly higher than in C group (p < 0.05). Rhinitis symptoms scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after both exhaustive exercise (7.69 to 1.23 points) and moderate exercise (6.46 to 0.53 points) in the AR group. The ratio of interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 (IL-2/IL-4) in nasal secretions after moderate exercise was significantly higher than those after exhaustive exercise in both the C and AR groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that both exhaustive and moderate-intensity exercise resulted in a significant improvement in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, a significantly enhanced IL-2/IL-4 ratio was found following acute moderate exercise intensity. We propose that moderate-intensity exercise is more effective than exhaustive exercise in enhancing immune function for allergic rhinitis patients.

Effects of tai chi training on antioxidant capacity in pre- and postmenopausal women.

The risk of oxidative stress-related metabolic diseases increases with menopause and physical inactivity. We hypothesized that an 8-week Tai Chi (TC) training program (2 sessions in class; 2 sessions at home; 1-1:15/session) would improve antioxidant capacity and reduce cardiovascular risks in both pre- (n = 8) and postmenopausal (n = 7) sedentary women. Selected measures of physical fitness and blood parameters were analyzed before and after the program. Besides the well-known effects of TC on balance, flexibility, and maximum leg extensor strength, TC (1) increased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity-an aerobic training-responsive antioxidant enzyme-and plasma total antioxidant status and (2) decreased plasma total homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk marker. In addition to being a low-velocity, low-impact, and relatively safe, TC is a suitable physical activity design for pre- and postmenopausal women to increase antioxidant defenses. Investigating breathing effects during TC movements would be an interesting area for further research in diseases prevention.

Effects of two modes of exercise on physical fitness and endothelial function in the elderly: exercise with a flexible stick versus Tai Chi.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of exercise with flexible stick training on physical fitness and endothelial function and compare it with Tai Chi training. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty older women volunteered for the present study and were divided into EF group (EF: n=16; 70.3 + 2.5 yr) and TC group (TC: n=14; 69.5 +/- 4.5 yr). Both training groups performed training assigned protocol that consisted of 70% of maximal heart rate, 40 minutes per day, four days per week for 12 weeks. Health related physical fitness and biochemical data were assessed in all participants. Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia (PORH) was used to monitor endothelial function by using a Laser-Doppler fluxmeter. RESULT: The health related physical fitness was significantly higher in the EF group (p < 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and von Willebrand factor, an indicator of free radical damage and endothelial dysfunction, respectively as well as cholesterol level were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the EF group. The peak Laser-Doppler flux (LDF)/baseline LDE and recovery time were significantly improved after 12 weeks of EF training (p < 0.05). This was not observed after 12 weeks of TC training. CONCLUSION: EF, a Thai novel exercise that combined endurance and strength training was a more effective exercise modality than TC for improving physical fitness and endothelial function. It improved reactive oxygen species in the elderly.