Effects of Long-Term Training Program on Static and Dynamic Balance in Young Subjects.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a long-term training program of 10 weeks on static and dynamic balance parameters in a young healthy population. METHODS: Participants were 35 young healthy female subjects. Balance measurements were done using the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT) for static balance and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic balance. RESULTS: Dynamic balance points increased and static balance points decreased after a 10 week training protocol compared with before training, indicating improvement in both dynamic and static balance. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that long term training resulted in an improvement both static and dynamic balance. Training can be suggested for patients with balance problems.

Right-sided lateralization of skin temperature in healthy young persons.

PURPOSE: Previous studies reported a peripheral immune asymmetry and lateralization of different paired organ cancers. Because of the close relationship of immune system with body temperature, the aim of the study was to test the possible lateralization of skin temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred sixty three healthy subjects (325 women, 138 men) with an average age of 23.62 years (SD = 8.65) participated in this study. All skin temperature measurements were done 8:00-9:00 a.m. Skin temperature was assessed for three different points in skin: axillary, thumb and external auditory. RESULTS: Skin temperature was statistically significantly higher on the right side of the body than on the left side, when measured by axillary and thumb temperatures. But there was no statistically significant difference in external auditory temperature. CONCLUSION: The asymmetry of skin temperature may result from the peripheral immune asymmetry or the asymmetric lymph node distribution.

Sleep Quality Differs Between Athletes and Non-athletes.

PURPOSE: Sufficient sleep or sleep of sufficient quality is essential for the health of children, adolescents and adults, as sleep influences almost all dimensions of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible positive effects of sportsmanship on sleep quality and to assess the possible differences in sleep quality between athletes and non-athletes. METHODS: Sedentary or non-athletes subjects (n=103) and athletes (n=93) participated in this study. The Turkish version of Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the points associated with sleep quality of participants before and one month after wet cupping therapy. RESULTS: Athletes had statistically significantly higher Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index parameters compared with non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exercise or physical fitness is advised for better health and a life without stress, anxiety and depression and also for the normal brain function and emotional stability.

Long-term effects of mild exercise on intraocular pressure in athletes and sedentary subjects.

The long-term effects of acute submaximal exercise on intraocular pressures (IOPs) of right-and left-eyes and recovery times to basement levels of IOP in postexercise periods in sedentary and physically fit subjects were investigated. Twenty-five sedentary and 24 physically fit subjects, ranging in age 17 to 22 years, participated. Intraocular pressures were measured by a pneumotonometer. Measurements were taken in the morning at about nine (at rest) and immediately, 30 min and 2 h after acute submaximal exercise. In sedentary subjects, IOPs of both right- and left-eyes decreased immediate after exercise, but, these decreases in both eyes continued 30 min and 2 h after exercise. In physically fit subjects, IOPs of both right- and left-eyes increased immediate after exercise, but decreased after 30 min exercise compared to basement levels, and this decrease continued 2 h after exercise. Acute submaximal exercise decreased IOPs of right and left eyes over a period 2 h in sedentary and physically fit subjects. IOP reducing after exercise was different between right- and left-eyes in sedentary subjects. These results suggest that exercise can be used in ocular hypertension treatment.

Effect of acute submaximal exercise on intraocular pressure in athletes and sedentary subjects.

The existing literature is controversial regarding the relationship between physical fitness and intraocular pressure (IOP). Therefore, the effects of acute submaximal exercise on IOP were compared in athletes and sedentary subjects. Acute exercise increased IOP in male athletes, but had no effect in sedentary men. Also, it decreased IOP in sedentary women, but had no effect in female athletes. Sex and physical fitness both were significant factors influencing the changes in IOP due to exercise. These results suggest that acute dynamic exercise is useful to decrease IOP in sedentary women, but not in male athletes. These results may help glaucoma screeners.

Unilateral nostril breathing in intraocular pressure of right-handed healthy subjects.

The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on the intraocular pressures of right and left eyes was studied in 24 male and 26 female right-handed adults. In men, the forced breathing through both the right and left nostrils significantly decreased the intraocular pressures of both right and left eyes. For women, the forced breathing through right nostril did not affect the intraocular pressures of right and left eyes, and the forced breathing through left nostril also had no effect on the intraocular pressure of right eye, although it decreased the intraocular pressure of left eye significantly. These results show that unilateral forced nostril breathing decreases intraocular pressure especially in men, perhaps increasing sympathetic nervous system activity.