Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Endurance activity'

This portfolio consists of six peer reviewed journal articles relating to the overall theme of the role of decision-making in informing pacing in competitive endurance events. In addition to identifying the importance of pacing decisions in determining performance level achieved, the complexity of the factors informing the process are explored. Whilst physiological state, psychological state, and the perception of exertion are important in a laboratory time trial environment, mass start races are complicated by the presence of other competitors who appear to also influence decision-making. The outputs in this portfolio investigate the role of physiological and psychological parameters in influencing pacing, and present models that may explain the decision-making process leading to observed pacing behaviours. Specifically, work in this portfolio identifies a potential role for affect and the importance of assessment of risk in informing decisions, and proposes that the decision-making process may also be influenced by a hardwired tendency to engage in collective behaviours that could ultimately be detrimental in some endurance sport competitions. It is concluded that pacing behaviour results from complex decision-making processes informed by multiple interconnected physiological and psychological variables, in addition to athlete-environment interactions. Future research priorities are identified as identification of the relative weightings assigned to internal and external (environmental) factors in informing pacing decisions, further development of interdisciplinary models of pacing during competition, and development and testing of interventions that better enable athletes to maintain individually optimal pacing strategies during competition in order to realise performance potential.

The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of activity trackers on physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE), body fat percentage (BF%), and exercise motivation. With wearable technology being named as the number one fitness trend for 2016 and 2017 (Thompson, 2015, 2016), activity trackers may be an effective tool to increase physical activity, increase CRE, decrease BF%, and improve exercise motivation. Forty-eight healthy volunteer participants ages 18–72 who did not achieve more than 3000 metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week of physical activity (PA) were recruited to participate in a 12-week walking intervention. Participants were given the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), exercise motivation inventory (EMI-2) survey, tested for anthropometric measures, and tested for CRE at baseline and final testing. Participants were divided into an activity tracker group and a control group. Analyses revealed no significant differences between the treatment and control groups for PA, CRE, BF%, or motivation from baseline to final testing. There were significant improvements in PA measured by the IPAQ for both groups from baseline to final testing, F _{(2, 64)} = 17.374, p = .000; however, step counts did not improve for either group from baseline to final testing. There were significant improvements in CRE for both groups from baseline to final testing, F _{(1, 29)} = 13.016, p = .001. Analyses revealed that the walking program may have been effective for improving PA and CRE, but that activity trackers did not provide any additional benefits. The conclusion is that activity trackers alone may not be an effective tool for the improvement of PA, CRE, BF%, or motivation.

[Truncated abstract] Iron is a trace mineral used by the body in many physiological processes that are essential to athletic performance. Commonly, the body's iron stores are compromised by exercise via several well established mechanisms. One such mechanism is the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), in response to the mechanical stress and circulatory strain of exercise. Although it appears that a force-dependent relationship between the heel-strike of the running gait and ground contact exists, the effects of the intensity trained at and the ground surface type trained upon have not been documented. Similarly, the effects of a cumulative training stress (i.e. multiple daily sessions) has not been examined. In addition to hemolysis, exercise also invokes an inflammatory response that results in an up-regulation of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). This cytokine is the primary mediator of hepcidin expression, a liver-produced hormone that regulates iron metabolism in the gut and in macrophages. The influence of exercise on hepcidin expression is relatively unknown, and as such it is possible that this hormone may be a mitigating factor implicated in athletic-induced iron deficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effect of different training frequencies, intensities and ground surfaces on the hemolytic response. In addition, the impact of exercise-induced inflammation on hepcidin expression in the 24 h post-exercise was investigated, with the aim of determining whether this hormone may be a potential new mechanism associated with athletic-induced iron deficiency. Finally, an interaction between hemolysis and hepcidin activity was examined to investigate their potential combined effect on iron status in the 24 h post-exercise. ... Venous blood and urine samples were collected pre- and immediately post-exercise, and at 3 and 24 h of recovery. Samples were analysed for circulating levels of IL-6, free Hb, Hp, serum iron, ferritin and urinary hepcidin activity. At the conclusion of both the T1 and T2 interval runs, the free Hb and serum Hp were significantly increased (p<0.05) from pre-exercise levels. Furthermore, a cumulative effect of two running sessions was shown in the T2 trial, via a further significant fall in serum Hp. The IL-6 and hepcidin activity were significantly increased after each running session (p<0.05) with no cumulative effect seen. Serum iron and ferritin were significantly increased post-exercise after each interval run (p<0.05), but were not influenced by the addition of a prior LSD run 12 h earlier. As a result, this investigation showed a cumulative effect of consecutive training sessions on RBC destruction in male athletes. Furthermore, post-exercise increases to serum iron and hepcidin, and their interaction was suggested to have potential implications for an athlete's iron status. Overall, the findings of this thesis show that hemolysis is evident at the conclusion of endurance running, and is influenced by training intensity and frequency. The results enabled a time-line for hepcidin expression post-exercise to be established, and the implications of increases to the activity of this hormone, in association with the hemolytic changes seen with endurance exercise are discussed.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) with its cardio- protective effects has provided remarkable optimism to the ever-increasing incidences of coronary artery disease. Therefore, the aim of this randomized, comparative, research trial was to determine whether endurance exercise training, weight training and/or a combination of aerobic and weight training can be utilized in the management of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Subsequent to the 16-week intervention period, dependant t-Tests revealed that the non-exercising and weight training groups demonstrated non- significant mean 1.3% (p = 0.754) and 11.1% (p = 0.069) increases in fasting serum HDL-C, respectively. Conversely, there was a significant increase in HDL-C following the 16 weeks of endurance training (p = 0.003) and combination training (p = 0.005) (22.4% and 37.9%, respectively). Further, Spearman’s rho indicated no correlations between HDL-C and BMI (r = -0.131), percentage body fat (r = - 0.141), cholesterol intake (r = - 0.026) and total fat intake (r = - 0.239). The absence of changes in these inter-correlations indicated that changes in these parameters had no effect on the HDL-C. On the contrary, moderate correlations were established between HDL-C and number of cigarettes smoked daily (r = - 0.344) and intake of saturated fat (r = - 0.317) indicating that exercise effect on these variables could have indirectly contributed significantly in altering HDL- C in the endurance and combination training groups. As such, endurance and combination training can be utilized as an effective method in the management of HDL-C in sedentary male smokers.

La mucoviscidose est la maladie génétique la plus fréquente des populations caucasiennes. Chez les personnes atteintes, la protéine CFTR est anormale et les sécrétions acheminées vers l’extérieur ou un organe creux, ne contiennent pas assez d’eau. Peu fluides, elles s’épaississent et sont difficilement évacuées, dégradant le fonctionnement des organes concernés (pancréas, poumons, foie et voies biliaires, glandes sudoripares, glandes sexuelles). A ce jour, il n’existe pas de traitement curatif de la mucoviscidose et les soins s’organisent selon le traitement symptomatologique de la maladie, nécessitant une prise en charge multidisciplinaire où la réhabilitation à l’exercice et les activités physiques ont une place croissante.Dans cette pathologie, le travail des muscles respiratoire est augmenté du fait des anomalies bronchiques auxquelles ils font face quotidiennement, pouvant engendrer une fatigabilité accrue voire une dysfonction. Dans les premiers temps de la maladie, la force des muscles respiratoires est inchangée voire augmentée et, lorsqu’un déclin est identifié, l’ensemble des paramètres cliniques le sont aussi.Dans ce sens, la force des muscles respiratoires ne semble pas être un marqueur physiologique suffisamment sensible aux changements discrets et ne permet pas de détecter de façon précoce le déclin de la fonction musculaire respiratoire. De plus, évaluée de façon ponctuelle, elle ne permet pas de caractériser la fatigabilité des muscles respiratoires.Les caractéristiques de force et d’endurance des muscles respiratoires étant susceptibles d’évoluer distinctement, il paraît intéressant d’examiner si l’endurance ne serait pas un marqueur plus sensible que la force pour détecter précocement le déclin de la fonction respiratoire de ces patients ainsi que de leur statut fonctionnel. A ce jour, il n’existe pas d’évaluation standard de l’endurance des muscles respiratoires et les quelques travaux ayant dans lesquels cette caractéristique a été étudiée présentent beaucoup d’hétérogénéité.Dans ce contexte, nos objectifs de recherche sont d’étudier les caractéristiques cliniques et les mécanismes de la tolérance à l’effort des patients atteints de mucoviscidose sous l’angle de la fonction musculaire respiratoire et, plus particulièrement, de l’endurance musculaire respiratoire.Dans ce travail, nous avons tout d’abord étudié et comparé la reproductibilité de deux méthodes d’évaluation distinctes de l’endurance des muscles respiratoires à partir d’un groupe de sujets en bonne santé. Nous avons ensuite caractérisé l’ensemble de la fonction musculaire respiratoire de patients atteints de mucoviscidose afin d’établir et comparer les significations cliniques de l’endurance et de la force des muscles respiratoires avec la fonction pulmonaire, la tolérance à l’exercice, la force périphérique et la qualité de vie des patients. Enfin nous avons étudié les effets d’un entraînement spécifique des muscles respiratoires.Nous avons montré que l’endurance des muscles respiratoires des patients atteints de mucoviscidose pouvait être diminuée indépendamment de la force des muscles respiratoires. Nous soulignons aussi que l’endurance des muscles respiratoire est un indicateur pertinent pour caractériser la tolérance à l’effort global de ces patients. Cependant, le choix du test retenu pour mesurer l’endurance est déterminant afin de pouvoir détecter les changements potentiels de la fonction musculaire respiratoire au cours de la mucoviscidose. Par ailleurs nous avons montré qu’un entraînement spécifique des muscles respiratoires améliorait la force des muscles respiratoires, sans pouvoir conclure sur d’autres effets significatifs sur le plan de la fonction pulmonaire, de la tolérance à l’exercice et de la qualité de vie des patients
Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder in Caucasian populations. In affected patients,the CFTR protein is abnormal and the secretions carried to the outside or a hollow organ, do notcontain enough water. Not very fluid, they thicken and are difficult to evacuate, degrading thefunctioning of the organs concerned (pancreas, lungs, liver and bile ducts, sweat glands, sexualglands). To date, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis and care is organised according to thesymptomatological treatment of the disease, requiring multidisciplinary care where rehabilitationexercise and physical activities have a growing place.In this pathology, the work of the respiratory muscles is increased because of the bronchialabnormalities they face daily, which can lead to increased fatigue or dysfunction. In the earlystages of the disease, the strength of the respiratory muscles is unchanged or even increased and,when a decline is identified, all the clinical parameters are too.In this sense, the strength of the respiratory muscles does not seem to be a physiological markersufficiently sensitive to discrete changes and does not allow early detection of the decline inrespiratory muscle function. Moreover, evaluated in a punctual way, it does not allow tocharacterise the fatigability of the respiratory muscles.Since the strength and endurance characteristics of the respiratory muscles are likely to evolvedistinctly, it seems interesting to examine whether endurance would not be a more sensitivemarker than force to detect early the decline in respiratory function of these patients. as well astheir functional status. To date, there is no standard evaluation of the endurance of therespiratory muscles and the few studies in which this feature has been studied have a great dealof heterogeneity.In this context, our research objectives are to study the clinical characteristics and mechanisms ofexercise tolerance in cystic fibrosis patients in terms of respiratory muscle function and inparticular respiratory muscle endurance.In this work, we first investigated and compared the reproducibility of two separate assessmentmethods of respiratory muscle endurance from a group of healthy subjects. We thencharacterised the overall respiratory muscle function of cystic fibrosis patients to establish andcompare the clinical significance of endurance and strength of respiratory muscles with lungfunction, exercise tolerance, peripheral strength and quality of life. Finally, we studied the effectsof specific training of the respiratory muscles.We have shown that the endurance of the respiratory muscles of cystic fibrosis patients can bedecreased independently of the strength of the respiratory muscles. We also emphasize thatrespiratory muscle endurance is a relevant indicator for characterizing the overall exercisetolerance of these patients. However, the choice of the test used to measure endurance is crucialin order to be able to detect the potential changes in respiratory muscle function during cysticfibrosis. Moreover, we have shown that specific training of the respiratory muscles improves thestrength of the respiratory muscles, without being able to conclude on other significant effects interms of lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life patients

Expertise and training in fine motor skills has been associated with changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity. Fewer studies have explored the neural effects of athletic activities that do not seem to rely on precise fine motor control (e.g., distance running). Here, we compared resting-state functional connectivity in a sample of adult male collegiate distance runners (n = 11; age = 21.3 +/- 2.5) and a group of healthy age matched non-athlete male controls (n = 11; age = 20.6 +/- 1.1), to test the hypothesis that expertise in sustained aerobic motor behaviors affects resting state functional connectivity in young adults. Although generally considered an automated repetitive task, locomotion, especially at an elite level, likely engages multiple cognitive actions including planning, inhibition, monitoring, attentional switching and multi-tasking, and motor control. Here, we examined connectivity in three resting-state networks that link such executive functions with motor control: the default mode network (DMN), the frontoparietal network (FPN), and the motor network (MN). We found two key patterns of significant between-group differences in connectivity that are consistent with the hypothesized cognitive demands of elite endurance running. First, enhanced connectivity between the FPN and brain regions often associated with aspects of working memory and other executive functions (frontal cortex), suggest endurance running may stress executive cognitive functions in ways that increase connectivity in associated networks. Second, we found significant anti-correlations between the DMN and regions associated with motor control (paracentral area), somatosensory functions (post-central region), and visual association abilities (occipital cortex). DMN deactivation with task-positive regions has been shown to be generally beneficial for cognitive performance, suggesting anti-correlated regions observed here are engaged during running. For all between-group differences, there were significant associations between connectivity, self-reported physical activity, and estimates of maximum aerobic capacity, suggesting a dose-response relationship between engagement in endurance running and connectivity strength. Together these results suggest that differences in experience with endurance running are associated with differences in functional brain connectivity. High intensity aerobic activity that requires sustained, repetitive locomotor and navigational skills may stress cognitive domains in ways that lead to altered brain connectivity, which in turn has implications for understanding the beneficial role of exercise for brain and cognitive function over the lifespan.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disease affecting 1 in every 3500 boys. The disease is characterized by the absence of the dystrophin protein from the sarcolemma of muscle cells. Muscle cells lacking dystrophin go through cycles of degeneration and regeneration and are considered susceptible to contraction-induced injury 144. Eventually, the satellite cell proliferative capacity is exhausted and the muscle fibers are replaced by connective and adipose tissue that yields a progressive loss of force generating capability. DMD patients typically die by their early 20's, primarily due to respiratory or cardiac failure. The precise role of dystrophin is not presently known. However, its absence suggests that it may play a role in both cellular calcium regulation and oxidative stress 152. Recent studies suggest increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) may precede the initial wave of wasting that marks disease onset 49. Therefore, it is possible oxidative stress may contribute as a pathogenic mechanism of DMD. Strategies to reduce the deleterious effects of oxidative stress could be an effective therapeutic approach. Regular exercise is known to increase antioxidant capacity in humans and mice 146. Green tea extract (GTE) is a powerful antioxidant that is easily supplemented in the diet 83.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) voluntary endurance exercise alone, (2) a diet supplemented with 0.05% (wt/wt) GTE alone, or exercise and GTE combined will blunt the effects of ROS and improve muscle strength and endurance in young mdx mice. Male mdx mice at age 21-days were randomly divided into one of 4 treatment groups: Run Normal diet (RunNorm; n=8), Sedentary Normal diet (SedNorm; n=8), Run GTE diet (RunGTE; n=10), and Sedentary GTE diet (SedGTE; n=8). RunNorm and RunGTE mice were given free access to a running wheel for 3 weeks while SedNorm and SedGTE mice were restricted to normal cage movement. At the end of 3 weeks, mice in each treatment group were sacrificed and assessed for daily and weekly running distances, content of actin and myosin proteins and fiber type distribution (tibialis anterior), contractile/mechanical and fatigue properties (extensor digitorum longus), creatine kinase levels and antioxidant capacity (serum), lipid peroxidation (gastrocnemius), and citrate synthase and beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities (quadriceps and soleus).

The key findings of this study were: In normal diet running mice (RunNorm), average daily distance run was increased 300% (from 0.5 to 2.1 km/d, P<0.05) from week 1 to week 3. In GTE diet (RunGTE) compared to RunNorm mice, total distance over the 3 weeks was markedly improved 128% (61.2 vs. 26.8 km, P<0.0001). Running, independent of diet increased EDL muscle tetanic stress (18%), serum antioxidant capacity (22%), citrate synthase activity (35%), and beta-oxidation (37%; all P<0.05). GTE, independent of running decreased lipid peroxidation (gastrocnemius:-64%; heart: -29%) and serum creatine kinase (-36%), and increased citrate synthase activity (59%; all P<0.05).

These findings in dystrophic mice suggest that voluntary endurance exercise with or without GTE supplementation blunted the deleterious effects of ROS. If similar positive effects are evident in human DMD patients, then these approaches may be beneficial therapies either alone or in combination.

Master of Science

Contexte: Il n’y a pas de consensus concernant la meilleure activité physique pour réduire le risque cardio-vasculaire (RCV) résultant de l'accumulation du tissu adipeux viscéral dans le syndrome métabolique (SMet). Objectif: analyser les effets de l'activité physique sur le tissu adipeux viscéral et sur le RCV chez des patients SMet. Méthodes: 100 adultes, 50-70 ans, ont été randomisés en trois groupes d’activité physique: mixte (endurance et résistance) résistance modérée + endurance modérée (re), Résistance intense + endurance modérée (Re), résistance modérée + Endurance intense (rE). Une cure de trois semaines (J0 à J20), en institution, a précédé un suivi à domicile d’une année (M12). Nous avons suivi le tissu adipeux viscéral et la composition corporelle par DXA, les paramètres du SMet, les performances en force et en endurance, et le RCV en utilisant le score de Framingham et l’épaisseur intima-média carotidienne. L’observance a été évaluée entre D20 et M12. Résultats: 78 participants (78%) ont terminé l'étude. À J20, la perte de graisse viscérale était la plus élevée pour Re (-18%, p<.0001) et plus élevée pour rE que re (-12% vs 7%, p<.0001). De même, à partir de M3, la graisse viscérale a plus pour Re et rE (p<.05) pour atteindre à M12 une perte de graisse viscérale de -21,5% (Re) et -21,1% (rE) > -13,0% (re) (p<.001). Le RCV, le SMet et les performances physiques ont été améliorées dans tous les groupes. Les principales améliorations ont été obtenues durant la cure et ont ensuite évolué en fonction de l’observance. Particulièrement entre M6 et M12, les non-observants dégradent leurs améliorations alors que les observants restent stables. La perte de tissu adipeux viscéral est corrélée aux améliorations des paramètres du SM. Conclusions: Les 3 modalités d'activité physique induisent une perte de graisse viscérale et améliorent le RCV et le SMet, mais une haute intensité en résistance entraîne une amélioration plus rapide. Une cure avec un encadrement quotidien est indispensable pour aider les patients à atteindre leurs objectifs. L’observance semble être le principal défi dans le succès du traitement du SM
Background: Opinions differ over the type of physical activity that best limits the cardiovascular risk (CVR) resulting from visceral fat accumulation in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: To analyze the effects of physical activity on visceral fat and cardiovascular risk (CVR) in patients suffering from MetS. Methods: 100 adults, aged 50-70y, were randomized to three training groups: moderate endurance and resistance (re), dominant resistance (Re), or dominant endurance (rE). A 1-year at-home follow-up (M12) began with a 3-week residential program (Day 0 to Day 20). We measured the change in central fat and body composition by DXA, MetS parameters, fitness and CVR using the Framingham score and carotid-intima-media-thickness. Compliance was assessed between D20 and M12. Results: 78 participants (78%) completed the study. At D20, central fat loss was highest in Re (-18%, p<.0001) and higher in rE than re (-12% vs. -7%, p<.0001). Likewise, from M3, visceral fat decreased more in Re and rE than in re (p<.05) to reach at M12 a central fat loss of -21.5% (Re) and -21.1% (rE) > -13.0% (re) (p<.001). CVR, MetS parameters and fitness improved in all groups. The main improvements were obtained during the residential program and evolved thereafter depending on compliance. Non-compliers had higher values in most outcomes between M6 and M12 whereas compliers maintained improvement. Central fat loss correlated with changes in MetS parameters. Conclusions: The 3 modalities of physical activity induced central fat loss and improvements in CVR and MetS, but high-intensity-resistance resulted in a faster improvement. A residential program with daily coaching is essential to help patients achieve their aims. Compliance appears to be the main challenge in successful Mets treatment

La drépanocytose est une hémoglobinopathie génétique ayant pour conséquences une anémie hémolytique chronique et sévère et des crises vaso-occlusives itératives. Cette pathologie s’accompagne également d’une intolérance à l’effort et d’altérations de la fonction et du tissu musculaire. Récemment, nous avons pu montrer, par une étude contrôlée et randomisée, l’innocuité et les bénéfices fonctionnels d’un programme d’entrainement en endurance, d’intensité modérée, chez des patients drépanocytaires. L’objectif de ce travail doctoral a été d’évaluer les effets de ce programme d’entrainement sur les caractéristiques musculaires de quarante patients drépanocytaires homozygotes. L’analyse des biopsies musculaires rapporte des adaptations tissulaires chez les patients entrainés, illustrées par une augmentation de la surface des myocytes, une amélioration de leur capacité oxydative, une augmentation du nombre de microvaisseaux sans modification de leur tortuosité, laissant supposer une meilleure oxygénation musculaire. L’excellente tolérance de ce mode d’entrainement semble reposer sur une plus faible mobilisation des voies anaérobies comme en témoigne la stabilité des activités enzymatiques associées à la glycolyse lactique et l’absence de modification du contenu musculaire des protéines impliquées dans la régulation du pH. Par ailleurs, cet entrainement n’a pas engendré de dégradation tissulaire notable. Ainsi, cet entrainement a non seulement apporté des bénéfices fonctionnels, mais également réduit les dysfonctionnements tissulaires musculaires. Cette thérapie par l’exercice peut donc être considéré comme une stratégie adjuvante prometteuse pour les patients drépanocytaires
Sickle cell disease is a genetic hemoglobinopathy resulting in chronic and severe hemolytic anemia and iterative vaso-occlusive crisis. This pathology is also accompanied by exercise intolerance and alterations in muscle function and tissue. Recently, we demonstrated, through a randomized controlled study, the safety and functional benefits of a moderate-intensity endurance exercise training program in sickle cell disease patients. The objective of this doctoral work was to evaluate the effects of this training program on the muscle characteristics of forty homozygous sickle cell disease patients. The analysis of muscle biopsies reported tissue adaptations in trained patients, illustrated by an increase in the surface area of myocytes, an improvement in their oxidative capacity, an increase in the number of microvessels without modification of their tortuosity, suggesting a better muscle oxygenation. The excellent tolerance of this training mode seems to be based on a lower mobilization of the anaerobic pathways, as shown by the stability of the enzymatic activities associated with lactic glycolysis and the lack of any modification of the muscle protein content involved in pH regulation. Moreover, this training did not result in any significant tissue degradation. Thus, this training provided functional benefits, but also reduced muscle tissue dysfunctions. This exercise therapy can therefore be considered a promising adjuvant strategy for sickle cell disease patients

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references.
Distance running has become increasingly popular in recreational runners. The gastrocnemius is the main muscle used for propulsion in running, and may be at risk for injury due to its morphology. In previous studies, changes in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle have been evident following training, but it is unclear whether these changes are related to training or youth. Previous studies of runners have shown a decrease in gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, as well as changes in the fascicle length and pennation angle. Gastrocnemius volume has not been compared in low physical activity and active participants. Physiological cross sectional area, based on volume and fascicle length measurements may also provide valuable information about the muscle’s ability to produce force. Ultrasound may be a useful tool in assessing potential training adaptations in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle. The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to assess the differences in architecture and function of the gastrocnemius in endurance runners compared to low physical activity participants. (a) To assess differences in calf function and flexibility between endurance runners and low physical activity individuals, and between male and female participants; (b) To determine differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture and composition between endurance runners versus low physical activity individuals, and between males and females; and (c) To determine whether there are any relationships between training factors and the structure and function of the gastrocnemius muscle. Thirty participants between 20 and 45 years old were recruited for this study and allocated to groups based on their level of physical activity. The low physical activity group (n = 14) were not participating in any regular physical activity, while the endurance running group (n = 16) were running a minimum of 40 km.wk-1, and had participated in at least one full marathon (42.2 km) in the previous six months. All participants completed informed consent, a physical activity and training questionnaire, and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) at the first session. The first session also included body composition measurements; ultrasound imaging to measure gastrocnemius length, thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and volume; and familiarisation with all physical tests. Physical tests were conducted in the second session, including gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, calf raise endurance and vertical jump height to assess the function of the components of the triceps surae. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups for gastrocnemius thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and gastrocnemius length. Gastrocnemius volume (p = 0.02) and physiological cross sectional area (p = 0.01) were significantly greater in the running group compared to the low physical activity group. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups in flexibility or vertical jump height, although male participants had significantly decreased gastrocnemius muscle flexibility (p = 0.046) and significantly greater vertical jump heights (p = 0.01) than females. Calf raise endurance was significantly greater in the running group than in the low physical activity group (p = 0.03). Endurance running leads to specific adaptations in participants in both structure and function. While ultrasound appears to be a reliable measure for assessing architectural components of the gastrocnemius muscle in both active and inactive populations, further cadaver studies may provide valuable information on muscle architecture.

In healthy individuals, satellite cells are partly responsible for muscle repair and preventing atrophy. Previous studies have linked the loss of muscle mass associated with aging to satellite cell dysfunction, postulating that satellite cell function diminishes with age. New evidence suggests that this may not be true as satellite cells collected from healthy aged participants appear indistinguishable from their healthy young counterparts. Satellite cell dysfunction appears to be more mechanistically linked to poor lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, improper diet, and increased adiposity. For this study, satellite cell function was evaluated against the effects of aging, diet, activity level, and adiposity. Satellite cells were collected from the vastus lateralis of sedentary (<2 hours/week activity) male donors categorized into young (18-30 years) and older (60-80 years) groups, as well as a young endurance trained group (18-30 years, 5+ hours/week of running/cycling). Cells were collected in young sedentary males before and after a four-week, high fat (55% of kcal), and hypercaloric (+1000 kcal over DEE) diet (HFHCD). Cells were also subjected to an in-vitro, high substrate media (HSM) challenge, then grown in media with a fivefold increase in glucose (25 mM) and an additional 400 uM of fatty acids (2:1 palmitate:oleate) before seven days of serum starved differentiation. The cells were evaluated for their proliferation rate, ability to differentiate (fusion index), rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and capacity for substrate oxidation (glucose and fatty acid). The young group exhibited a lower proportion of body fat than the older group (22.4%±8.1 vs. 28.3%±6.3). When compared to the older group, the young group also presented elevated oxidative efficiency (68%, p<0.05) and reduced pyruvate oxidation (-60%, p<0.05) in measures of muscle tissue homogenate. However, isolated satellite cells from the young and older group demonstrated no observable differences in any measures (proliferation rate, fusion index, ROS production, or substrate oxidation), other than increased oxidative efficiency in cells from older vs. younger donors. Cells from young endurance trained donors demonstrated faster proliferation rates (39%, p<0.05) and elevated early stage fusion (33%, p<0.05) when compared to cells from older individuals. Compared to pre-diet measures, cells collected post HFHCD revealed significantly reduced proliferation rates (-19%, p<0.05). When grown in HSM (as compared to control media), cells from young lean (<25% BF) and trained participants had blunted proliferation rates (-4.8% and -12.6%, p<0.05), fusion index scores (p<0.05), and ROS production rates. Cells collected from participants with higher adiposity (>25% BF) and those collected post HFHCD experienced increased proliferation and fusion when exposed to the HSM. This data suggests that donor activity level, adiposity, and diet but not age are mediating factors for satellite cell function. The cells appear to develop a preference for their in-vivo environment, as cells collected from the leaner and trained participants had their proliferation and fusion rates reduced when exposed to HSM. Conversely, exposure to the HSM accelerated the proliferation and fusion of cells collected from donors with higher body fat and those collected post HFHCD.
PHD

Vaikų ir paauglių fizinio pajėgumo lygis mažėja (Tomkinson et al., 2003; Tomkinson et al., 2007). Tai kelia nerimą, todėl kad šiose amžiaus grupėse fizinio pajėgumo lygis yra glaudžiai susijęs su fizine ir protine sveikata, kaip trumpalaike, taip ir ilgalaike (Malina, 1996; Ortega et al., 2008). Mokslininkai padarė išvadą, kad visi vaikai, ir turintys ir neturintys sveikatos sutrikimų, turi būti skatinami didesniam bendram fiziniam aktyvumui, bet ypač vidutinio ir didelio intensyvumo fiziniam aktyvumui (Kao et al., 2009). Pagal „Kūno kultūros silpnesnės sveikatos moksleiviams metodines rekomendacijas“ vaikai yra skirstomi i medicinines fizinio pajėgumo grupes, kurios atitinka moksleivio sveikatos būklę, fizinį išsivystymą, svarbiausių organizmo sistemų ir organų funkcinę būklę bei fizinį parengtumą. Nėra tirta, ar tikrai moksleivių, priskirtų paruošiamajai grupei, fizinis pajėgumas yra mažesnis, nei tų, kurie neturi objektyvios priežasties gauti mažesnį fizinį krūvį per kūno kultūros pamokas. Tam, kad sužinoti, kas turi įtakos fiziniam pajėgumui, papildomai buvo išskirta sportuojančiųjų moksleivių grupė ir vertinamas bendro fizinio aktyvumo ir skirtingo jo intensyvumo ryšys su fiziniu pajėgumu ir sveikata. Hipotezė: Moksleivių fizinis pajėgumas labiau priklausys nuo fizinio aktyvumo, nei nuo sveikatos būklės, kurią atspindi priklausymas pagrindinei ar parengiamajai (medicininei fizinio pajėgumo) grupei. Tyrimo tikslas: išanalizuoti moksleivių fizinio pajėgumo komponentų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
Longitudinal studies show a decline in physical fitness level in children and adolescents (Tomkinson et al., 2003; Tomkinson et al., 2007). It causes concern about youth health because the level of physical fitness of this age groups is closely related to physical and mental health (Malina, 1996; Ortega et al., 2008). Both healthy children and children with health problems should be encouraged to engage in more physical activity especially moderate or vigorous physical activity (Kao et al., 2009). According to „Physical activity for weaker health schoolchildren recommendations” (Švedas et al.., 2003), schoolchildren are divided into medical physical fitness groups. These groups are formed according to health condition, physical development, main body system functioning, and physical fitness level. There are no data about real physical fitness level of preparation group compared with main group schoolchildren who have no reason to get lower loading during physical education. In our study we separated school children, participating in sport activity, and measured total physical activity, different intensity of physical activity, and their association with physical fitness and health. Hypothesis: the physical fitness of school children more dependent on physical activity than health condition or belonging to lower physical fitness group. Aim of research: to analyze the association between schoolchildren physical fitness components, physical activity and health according to... [to full text]

Увод: Физичка активност има кључну улогу у очувању здравља и општег добростањадеце и адолесцената. Редовна физичка активност, усмереног, систематски вођеног илинеструктурираног карактера у млађем животном добу, има бројне краткорочне идугорочне користи по здравље и развој деце и адолесцената. Постоје чврсти докази даредовна физичка активност унапређује телесну структуру, кардиореспираторни статус,мишићну издржљивост, густину костију и метаболичке процесе код деце иадолесцената. Имајући у виду значај физичке активности и спорта за правилан раст иразвој деце и адолесцената, значај мишићне издржљивости за постуру и превенцијулумбалног бола, као и осетљивост адолесценције као развојног периода, као важнаистраживачка тема намеће се питање доприноса физичке активности оптималномфизичком расту и развоју, телесној композицији и здрављу лумбалног дела кичме.Циљ: Циљ истраживања је да се испитају разлике у антропометријском статусу ииздржљивости мишића трупа адолесцената у зависности од нивоа физичке активности,као и да се утврде полне разлике разлике у нивоу физичке активности,антропометријском статусу и издржљивости мишића трупа адолесцената.Метод: Узорак испитаника је чинило 269 испитаника оба пола, узраста од 15 до 19година, ученика средње школе из Новог Сада, од тога 60.6% испитаника мушког полаи 39.4% испитаника женског пола. Сви испитаници су у време прикупљања податакабили здрави и редовно су похађали наставу физичког васпитања. Просечна старостиспитаника била је 16.81 ± 1.08 година. Испитаници су на основу скорова на ИПАQупитнику, подељени у групе различитог нивоа физичке активности. Мултиваријатноманализом варијансе (МАНОВА) и униваријатном анализом варијансе (МАНОВА)утврђене су разлике у антропометријском статусу и издржљивости мишића трупаадолесцената у зависности од нивоа физичке активности, и утврђене су полне разликеразлике у нивоу физичке активности, антропометријском статусу и издржљивостимишића трупа адолесцената. Кластер анализом су утврђени профили испитаникамушког и женског пола у посматраном мултиваријатном простору Резултати: Утврђено је да постоје статистички значајне разлике између испитаникаразличитог нивоа физичке активности у антропометријском статусу (p = .016) ииздржљивости мишића труpа (p = .001). Такође су утврђене статистички значајне pолнеразлике у антроpометријским карактеристикама исpитаника (p = .000), телесној комpозицији (p = .000) и издржљивости мишића труpа (p = .000). Нису утврђенестатистички значајне pолне разлике у нивоу физичке активности (p = .550). Поред тога,утврђене су статистички значајне разлике између исpитаника ниског и високог нивоафизичке активности у издржљивости мишића труpа: Изометријска издржљивостлатерофлексора на левој страни труpа (p = .005); Изометријска издржљивостлатерофлексора на десној страни труpа (p = .001); Изометријска издржљивост мишићафлексора труpа (p = .016) и изометријска издржљивост мишића екстензора труpа (p =.000), у корист груpе која је уpражњавала висок ниво физичких активности. На основуантроpометријских карактеристика, телесне комpозиције, изометријске издржљивостимишића труpа и нивоа физичке активности, идентификовани су тиpични pрофилиадолесцената. Најризичнијим pрофилима pриpада око 39% исpитаника мушког pола ичак 46% исpитаника женског pола.Закључак: Резултати истраживања pотврђују да физичка активност можеpредстављати снажан pротективни фактор када је реч о развоју гојазности и pојавилумбалног бола. Школско физичко васpитање, као важна социјална стратегијаpромоције физичке активности и агенс здравственог васpитања деце и младих можезначајно доpринети да ученици кроз наставу и ваннаставне активности стекнусpособности, вештине и знања који су неоpходни за усpостављање здравог, физичкиактивног животног стила.
Uvod: Fizička aktivnost ima ključnu ulogu u očuvanju zdravlja i opšteg dobrostanjadece i adolescenata. Redovna fizička aktivnost, usmerenog, sistematski vođenog ilinestrukturiranog karaktera u mlađem životnom dobu, ima brojne kratkoročne idugoročne koristi po zdravlje i razvoj dece i adolescenata. Postoje čvrsti dokazi daredovna fizička aktivnost unapređuje telesnu strukturu, kardiorespiratorni status,mišićnu izdržljivost, gustinu kostiju i metaboličke procese kod dece iadolescenata. Imajući u vidu značaj fizičke aktivnosti i sporta za pravilan rast irazvoj dece i adolescenata, značaj mišićne izdržljivosti za posturu i prevencijulumbalnog bola, kao i osetljivost adolescencije kao razvojnog perioda, kao važnaistraživačka tema nameće se pitanje doprinosa fizičke aktivnosti optimalnomfizičkom rastu i razvoju, telesnoj kompoziciji i zdravlju lumbalnog dela kičme.Cilj: Cilj istraživanja je da se ispitaju razlike u antropometrijskom statusu iizdržljivosti mišića trupa adolescenata u zavisnosti od nivoa fizičke aktivnosti,kao i da se utvrde polne razlike razlike u nivou fizičke aktivnosti,antropometrijskom statusu i izdržljivosti mišića trupa adolescenata.Metod: Uzorak ispitanika je činilo 269 ispitanika oba pola, uzrasta od 15 do 19godina, učenika srednje škole iz Novog Sada, od toga 60.6% ispitanika muškog polai 39.4% ispitanika ženskog pola. Svi ispitanici su u vreme prikupljanja podatakabili zdravi i redovno su pohađali nastavu fizičkog vaspitanja. Prosečna starostispitanika bila je 16.81 ± 1.08 godina. Ispitanici su na osnovu skorova na IPAQupitniku, podeljeni u grupe različitog nivoa fizičke aktivnosti. Multivarijatnomanalizom varijanse (MANOVA) i univarijatnom analizom varijanse (MANOVA)utvrđene su razlike u antropometrijskom statusu i izdržljivosti mišića trupaadolescenata u zavisnosti od nivoa fizičke aktivnosti, i utvrđene su polne razlikerazlike u nivou fizičke aktivnosti, antropometrijskom statusu i izdržljivostimišića trupa adolescenata. Klaster analizom su utvrđeni profili ispitanikamuškog i ženskog pola u posmatranom multivarijatnom prostoru Rezultati: Utvrđeno je da postoje statistički značajne razlike između ispitanikarazličitog nivoa fizičke aktivnosti u antropometrijskom statusu (p = .016) iizdržljivosti mišića trupa (p = .001). Takođe su utvrđene statistički značajne polnerazlike u antropometrijskim karakteristikama ispitanika (p = .000), telesnoj kompoziciji (p = .000) i izdržljivosti mišića trupa (p = .000). Nisu utvrđenestatistički značajne polne razlike u nivou fizičke aktivnosti (p = .550). Pored toga,utvrđene su statistički značajne razlike između ispitanika niskog i visokog nivoafizičke aktivnosti u izdržljivosti mišića trupa: Izometrijska izdržljivostlaterofleksora na levoj strani trupa (p = .005); Izometrijska izdržljivostlaterofleksora na desnoj strani trupa (p = .001); Izometrijska izdržljivost mišićafleksora trupa (p = .016) i izometrijska izdržljivost mišića ekstenzora trupa (p =.000), u korist grupe koja je upražnjavala visok nivo fizičkih aktivnosti. Na osnovuantropometrijskih karakteristika, telesne kompozicije, izometrijske izdržljivostimišića trupa i nivoa fizičke aktivnosti, identifikovani su tipični profiliadolescenata. Najrizičnijim profilima pripada oko 39% ispitanika muškog pola ičak 46% ispitanika ženskog pola.Zaključak: Rezultati istraživanja potvrđuju da fizička aktivnost možepredstavljati snažan protektivni faktor kada je reč o razvoju gojaznosti i pojavilumbalnog bola. Školsko fizičko vaspitanje, kao važna socijalna strategijapromocije fizičke aktivnosti i agens zdravstvenog vaspitanja dece i mladih možeznačajno doprineti da učenici kroz nastavu i vannastavne aktivnosti steknusposobnosti, veštine i znanja koji su neophodni za uspostavljanje zdravog, fizičkiaktivnog životnog stila.
Background: Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining the health and general wellbeing of children and adolescents. Regular physical activity in young age, whether it beorganized or unstructured, provides many short-term and long-term developmental and healthbenefits for youth. There is strong evidence that regular physical activity improves bodycomposition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, bone density and metabolicprocesses in children and adolescents. Bearing in mind the importance of physical activity forgrowth and development of children and adolescents, importance of muscular endurance forposture and low back pain prevention, as well as sensitivity of adolescence as a developmentalperiod, the contribution of physical activity to optimal physical growth and development, bodycomposition and lumbar spine health stands out as an important research topic.Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze differences in anthropometric status and enduranceof flexor, extensor and lateroflexor core muscles, depending on the level of physical activity,as well as to determine gender differences in the level of physical activity, anthropometricstatus and endurance of the core muscles in adolescents.Method: The sample of respondents consisted of 269 high school students from Novi Sad,aged 15 to 19, of which 60.6% were males and 39.4% were females. All respondents werehealthy at the time of data collection and regularly attended physical education classes. Theaverage age of the respondents was 16.81 ± 1.08 years. Respondents were divided into groupsof different level of physical activity, based on the IPAQ questionnaire score. The multivariateanalysis of variance (MANOVA) and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used inorder to identify differences in anthropometric status and core muscle endurance inadolescents of different physical activity level, as well as gender differences in the level ofphysical activity, anthropometric status and core muscles endurance of adolescents. Profilesof males and females in multivariate domain were determined by cluster analyses.Results: Statistically significant differences between subjects of different levels of physicalactivity were identified in anthropometric status (p = .016) and endurance of the core muscles(p = .001). Statistically significant gender differences were also found in the anthropometriccharacteristics of the subjects (p = .000), body composition (p = .000) and endurance of thecore muscles (p = .000). No statistically significant gender differences were found in the levelof physical activity (p = .550). In addition, statistically significant differences betweensubjects of low and high level of physical activity were detected in muscular endurance of the core muscles: latero flexor endurance test, left side (p = .005); latero flexor endurance test,right side (p = .001); torso flexor endurance test (p = .016) and torso flexor endurance test (p= .000), in favour of the group engaged in high level physical activity. According toanthropometric characteristics, core muscle endurance and physical activity level, typicalprofiles of adolescents were identified. Around 39% of male respondents and 46% of femalerespondents belong to the highest risk profiles.Conclusion: The results confirm that physical activity can act as a strong protective factor forobesity and low back pain occurence. Physical education, representing a vital social strategyof physical activity promotion and important health education agent in children and youth,may contribute to students gaining abilities, skills and knowledge necessary for healthy, activelifestyle.

Важливим завданням державної молодіжної спортивної політики є формування цінностей здоров'язбереження, створення умов для гармонійного розвитку молодого покоління. Одним з рішень такого питання є формування спеціальних програм, форм і методик оздоровлення, які враховують запити сучасної молодої людини. На сучасному етапі танці стали популярним і доступним видом рухової активності. Завдяки такій популярності створюються різні танцювальні клуби і хоббі–класи, в яких займаються люди різних вікових категорій. У танцях, як і в спорті, для досягнення високих результатів необхідно мати високий рівень фізичної підготовленості. Належний рівень фізичної підготовленості забезпечує цілісність, послідовність та ефективність тренувального процесу. Не зважаючи на те, що розроблені методики та існуючі підходи є науково–обґрунтованими і мають практичне значення, питання удосконалення процесу підготовки у сучасних танцях залишаються актуальними і на етапі сьогодення. Мета дослідження: обґрунтувати ефективність застосування методики розвитку спеціальної витривалості танцюристів які займаються в хоббі–класах.

Contexte : Les sujets âgés représentent un groupe d’âge dont la proportion ne cesse d’augmenter. Ainsi, la lutte contre la sédentarité et la pratique d’une activité physique régulière demeure l’une des principales mesures qui devrait être privilégiée chez les seniors. L’objectif principal de ce travail était de déterminer les effets d’un nouveau protocole de réentraînement en endurance sur ergocycle alternatif « le Programme d’Entraînement Personnalisé sur Cycle à charge constante avec Récupération intermittente » (PEP’C-R) sur les paramètres d’endurance et cardio-respiratoires maximaux chez des seniors de plus de 70 ans. Les objectifs secondaires étaient de déterminer les effets du PEP’C-R sur la fonction vasculaire et les performances cognitives. Résultats : le PEP’C-R permet une amélioration significative des paramètres d’endurance et cardio-respiratoires maximaux et permet aussi d’améliorer la fonction vasculaire et les performances cognitives. Conclusion : Les résultats apportés par ce travail permettront de diffuser le PEP’C-R chez les seniors en bonne santé et ceci dans le cadre de la prescription de programmes de réentraînement à l’effort
Background: Older adults constitute one of the most rapidly growing population groups. Consequently, avoiding an inactive lifestyle and encouraging regular physical activity remains one of the main measures that should be promoted for older adults. The main objective of our study was to determine the effects of a new lightweight protocol including recovery bouts called: “The Intermittent Aerobic Training Program with Recovery bouts” (IATP-R - PEP’C-R in French) for seniors over 70 on maximal cardiorespiratory and endurance parameters. The secondary objectives were to determine the effects of IATP-R on vascular function and cognitive performances. Results: Our results showed that this new “IATP-R” training protocol permits to achieve a significant improvement in both endurance parameters and maximal cardio-respiratory parameters. In addition, the IATP-R permits to improve the vascular function and cognitive performances. Conclusion: The results of this study could be useful to implement this new IATP-R protocol for healthy older adults over 70. This would also be within the framework of prescribing training programs

On March 1, 1986, 1,200 activists set out from Los Angeles on a walk across the United States to call for an end to nuclear weapons. Within two weeks, a few hundred remained. They reorganized as the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament and successfully completed the nine-month, 3,325-mile walk to Washington, D.C. Two central questions guide this work: What is the relationship between long-distance walking and the politics of social movements? To what extent does “endurance” shape meanings of the March’s related but twin goals: the building of a collective, or “prefigurative” community, and a mass movement capable of attaining media coverage and achieving concrete, or “strategic” political outcomes? This study utilizes historical analysis, semi-structured interviews, and discourse analysis of print news media to apprehend different perspectives on long-distance walks and the Great Peace March. This project provides a multilayered account of the historical and cultural roots of long-distance walks for sociopolitical change, the March’s origins and organization, marchers’ understandings of their participation, and media representations of the March. It also examines Jamie Schultz’s categorization of “physical activism” in combination with “prefigurative politics,” of which Wini Breines claims the central task is to create and sustain within the live practice of the movement, relationships and political forms that ‘prefigured’ and embodied the desired society. The result is a more nuanced understanding of the ways physicality and endurance constitute a significant aspect of participation in social movements. This dissertation coins the term “endurance activism” as the articulation of endurance physical feats with political activism. The Great Peace March illustrates how social movement participants undertook endurance actions to communicate arduous and strenuous work for the cause. This project finds that endurance, physically, but also symbolically and metaphorically signifies particular meanings of movement for social movements such as persistence, focus, and determination to stretch limits and push boundaries. The marchers sought to accomplish a difficult physical challenge and maintain the solidarity of their community to analogize the coming into existence of their campaign’s equally extraordinary vision for denuclearization. The marchers experienced and communicated endurance to stress their movement as an act that has no end, and to solidify perceptions of themselves as lifelong activists. Their emphasis on endurance highlights the importance of the means of lasting work for social and political change that are valued in and of themselves. This study finds that collective effort and striving are crucial qualities that build solidarity in social movements, while also signaling the necessity of ongoing work for the cause and the forging of another way forward.

Contexte: Il n'y a pas de consensus concernant la meilleure activité physique pour réduire le risque cardio-vasculaire (RCV) résultant de l'accumulation du tissu adipeux viscéral dans le syndrome métabolique (SMet). Objectif: analyser les effets de l'activité physique sur le tissu adipeux viscéral et sur le RCV chez des patients SMet. Méthodes: 100 adultes, 50-70 ans, ont été randomisés en trois groupes d'activité physique: mixte (endurance et résistance) résistance modérée + endurance modérée (re), Résistance intense + endurance modérée (Re), résistance modérée + Endurance intense (rE). Une cure de trois semaines (J0 à J20), en institution, a précédé un suivi à domicile d'une année (M12). Nous avons suivi le tissu adipeux viscéral et la composition corporelle par DXA, les paramètres du SMet, les performances en force et en endurance, et le RCV en utilisant le score de Framingham et l'épaisseur intima-média carotidienne. L'observance a été évaluée entre D20 et M12. Résultats: 78 participants (78%) ont terminé l'étude. À J20, la perte de graisse viscérale était la plus élevée pour Re (-18%, p<.0001) et plus élevée pour rE que re (-12% vs 7%, p<.0001). De même, à partir de M3, la graisse viscérale a plus pour Re et rE (p<.05) pour atteindre à M12 une perte de graisse viscérale de -21,5% (Re) et -21,1% (rE) > -13,0% (re) (p<.001). Le RCV, le SMet et les performances physiques ont été améliorées dans tous les groupes. Les principales améliorations ont été obtenues durant la cure et ont ensuite évolué en fonction de l'observance. Particulièrement entre M6 et M12, les non-observants dégradent leurs améliorations alors que les observants restent stables. La perte de tissu adipeux viscéral est corrélée aux améliorations des paramètres du SM. Conclusions: Les 3 modalités d'activité physique induisent une perte de graisse viscérale et améliorent le RCV et le SMet, mais une haute intensité en résistance entraîne une amélioration plus rapide. Une cure avec un encadrement quotidien est indispensable pour aider les patients à atteindre leurs objectifs. L'observance semble être le principal défi dans le succès du traitement du SM.

La littérature équine comprend peu d’études relatives aux coordinations cavalier-cheval. Ces dernières n’ont été examinées qu’en situations expérimentales sur des durées courtes. Le récent développement des technologies embarquées ouvre de nouvelles perspectives en permettant l’enregistrement combiné des déplacements du cavalier et du cheval durant plusieurs heures. Ce travail de thèse vise, au travers de l'identification de variables macroscopiques, à définir les caractéristiques du couplage cavalier-cheval (CCC) en situation naturelle de course d’endurance. Utilisant les concepts et outils de l’approche des systèmes dynamiques, nos résultats valident une méthodologie permettant d'identifier sur la seule base du CCC les allures et techniques de monte utilisées en compétition d’endurance. Les caractéristiques quantitatives et qualitatives du CCC évoluent différemment tout au long de la course en fonction du niveau d’expertise du couple. Les couples élites présentent une augmentation de vitesse et du pourcentage de petit galop assis alors que les couples expérimentés conservent la même répartition des quatre allures/techniques et les mêmes vitesses. La détérioration de la qualité du couplage observée chez les deux groupes pourrait être attribuée à la fatigue pour les expérimentés alors qu’elle pourrait provenir en partie de l’élévation de la vitesse chez les élites. Cette méthode d’analyse du couplage a fourni les premières observations sur l’influence d’un style de monte émergent sur la performance d’endurance. Nos perspectives visent à développer un dispositif selle-sangle instrumenté permettant l'optimisation du CCC en situation d'entraînement et de compétition
Equine literature includes only a very limited number of studies related to horse-rider coordination. In addition, these were only investigated in experimental situations limited to a few minutes and during prescribed horse gait and riding techniques. The recent development of mobile technologies offers new perspectives allowing several hours of synchronized horse and rider recordings. This PhD work aims, through some remarkable macroscopic variables, to characterize the horse-rider coupling (HRC) in the various contextual situations of endurance races. Using concepts and tools of self-organizing dynamic system approach, a method was developed and validated to identify, on the sole basis of HRC, horse’s gaits and riding techniques used in endurance competition. This method revealed the emergence of four HRC patterns along endurance race. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the HRC were found to evolve differently throughout the race depending on the expertise level of the dyad. Elite dyads present increases in speed and percentage of sitting canter while advanced dyads maintain the same distribution and averaged speeds for the four horse’s gaits/riding techniques. The reduced quality of the coupling demonstrated by both groups at the end of race may be attributed to fatigue for the advanced dyads while it might also result from the increase in speed for the elite dyads. This method developed for the HRC analysis allowed us to study the influence of an emerging riding style on the endurance performance. Our perspectives in the equestrian domain intend to develop an instrumented saddle-girth device to optimize HRC in both training and competitive situations

Une corrélation inverse a été rapportée entre l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC) et la condition physique (CP). Une faible CP prédispose à un plus grand niveau de sédentarité, d’où l’importance de développer des initiatives visant à améliorer la CP d’individus obèses. L'objectif de l'étude était d’évaluer les effets d’un programme d’intervention multidisciplinaire de 16 semaines sur la capacité aérobique et les habiletés motrices d’adolescents obèses. Trente-trois adolescents obèses (19 garçons et 14 filles) âgés de 11 à 16 ans ont participé à trois séances d’entraînement en endurance par semaine lors du programme. À la fin de l'intervention, une diminution significative de l’IMC et de la circonférence de taille (CT) a été observée en plus de l'augmentation significative des habiletés motrices. Toutefois, un retour aux valeurs de références a été observé pour l’IMC et la CT suite à la période de suivi. Alors que certains acquis en ce qui concerne les habiletés motrices ont été conservés. Ces résultats indiquent qu'une intervention multidisciplinaire, incluant un programme d’exercice physique, peut avoir un effet à long terme sur les habiletés motrices.
An inverse correlation has been reported between body mass index (BMI) and fitness. Low fitness represents a greater level of sedentariness, hence the importance of developing initiatives to improve the fitness of obese individuals. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week multidisciplinary intervention program on aerobic capacity and motor skills of obese adolescents. Thirty-three obese adolescents (19 boys and 14 girls) aged from 11-16 years old participated in three sessions of endurance training per week during the program. At the end of the intervention, a significant decrease in BMI and waist circumference (WC) was observed in addition to a significant increase in motor skills. However, a return to reference values was observed for BMI and WC following the monitoring period, although some achievements regarding motor skills were preserved. These results indicate that a multidisciplinary intervention including an exercise program can have long term effects on motor skills.

Private deck of cards created during six-month survey and documentation of daily experiences. The package contains 49 cards and it is inspired by a set of 78 tarot cards. Text content - reverse side of the card was created using diary notes. Face side of the card was chosen as a representation of processes taking place usually in days when the card was read.

碩士
國立臺北護理健康大學
運動保健研究所
101
Purpose: Body composition is a critical inference factor of cardiovascular endurance and physical activity. The 24-hour shift pattern of policemen not only affects the cardiovascular endurance but also affects the quality of sleep and physical activity. This study examined the status of body composition, quality of sleep, physical activity and cardiovascular endurance of policemen. Further, it investigated the association of body composition with the rest of the three factors. The results of the study can provide suggestions to police administrative in physical training programs. Methods: A total of 77 policemen from two police branches in Taipei were recruited using convenience sampling. Body composition included body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (PBF) (assessed with Inbody 230). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was applied to assess the quality of sleep. Daily step counts (steps/day) and time spent in moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity were recorded with Lifecorder EX (Suzuken Co., Ltd., Japan). The study used indicator of physical fitness of policemen (time of three-thousand meters run, THMR) to evaluate cardiovascular endurance. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software (Version 18). Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA test and Mann-Whitney U were used for comparison between groups. Pearson Correlation and Partial Correlation were used to analyze the correlation among factors. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results and Discussions: The average BMI and PBF of 77 participants were 26.0±3.8 kg/m2 and 23.9±5.9%, respectively. Both were higher than the standard range. PSQI score was 7.8±3.1 which indicated poor sleep quality. The average steps/day of participants was 7,989±2,870 steps and time spent in moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity was 18.3±12.1 minutes, neither steps/day nor time spent in moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity reached recommendation by American College of Sports Medicine, which are 10,000 step-count and 30 minutes moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity. Mean THMR was 1,008.6±156.5 seconds. It was rated at 66 on the 100 scales which showed that the cardiovascular endurance of policemen needed more improvement. In addition, there was a significant correlation between BMI and PSQI. Furthermore, BMI, PBF and steps/day were all significantly correlated with THMR while carried out partial correlation analysis. Conclusions and Suggestions: Body composition such as BMI and PBF affect the quality of sleep, physical activity and cardiovascular endurance of policemen. The body composition and cardiovascular endurance of policemen were affected by their steps/day. In order to improve cardiovascular endurance, the study suggests that policemen should keep their BMI and PBF under 25 kg/m2 and 22%, respectively, and steps/day should more than 8,650 steps.

碩士
中臺科技大學
護理系碩士班
107
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with irreversible and progressive deterioration of respiratory tract obstruction. Serious diseases will reduce the patient's ability to work and quality of life. In serious cases, hospitalization will be repeated and the patient's death and disability rate will be increased, resulting in a heavy financial burden on patients and their families. Pulmonary rehabilitation exercise can increase patient activity endurance, thereby alleviating the feeling of dyspnea, enhancing self-care ability and improving overall quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activity endurance and related factors of COPD patients attending pulmonary rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study by purposive sampling was designed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The research site is the thoracic medical clinic in a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Sixty-six patients diagnosed with COPD and completely received 6 pulmonary rehabilitation exercises were recruited. The measurements were included six-minute walk test (6MWT), modified Borg scale (mBorg), modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC), COPD assessment test (CAT), and SpO2 for assessing the degree of dyspnea when the patients were taking rehabilitation exercises, and the short version of the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) in Taiwan for measuring daily living activity. The data collected were analyzed by SPSS 22.0 for Windows software. The results in the study were found that the variables affecting both 6MWT and IPAQ were mMRC, CAT, home exercise habits and home exercise frequency (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis results showed that 6MWT was affected by education of BMI, Hb and mMRC (p=0.000). IPAQ was affected by mMRC and FEV1/FVC (p=0.000). 6MWT% pred was affected by mMRC and age (p=0.001). The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to analyze the changes of life signs in the GOLD grading patients during sport therapies. The grades of GOLD=2, GOLD=3, GOLD=4 had influenced on the mBorg score (p=0.000~0.002). The grade of GOLD=4 had an influence on DBP (p=0.016). The results of this study present factors affecting the activity endurance of patients with COPD who undergo pulmonary rehabilitation, as a reference for clinical practice review.

博士
國立臺灣師範大學
體育研究所
90
Physical activity has been shown to maintain bone mineral density (BMD) through the effects of mechanical loading on bone metabolism. However, the effects of exercise on the calcium-regulating hormones and other metabolic variables are not known. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of strength and endurance exercise on blood pH, total serum calcium, ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) between males of different physical activity. Experimental group consisted of 9 very active males (runners) and the control group consisted of 10 males with no regular exercise within a year. Subjects were asked to perform both strength (eccentric action) and endurance exercises (VO2 peak). The blood pH, total serum calcium, ionized calcium, PTH and CT were measured before and after exercise. A two-way ANCOVA was used for data analysis. The results were as follow:（1）High physical activity with regular exercise can increase cardiovascular function and muscle strength.（2）Exercise with weights helps to maintain and increase bone density.（3）When low level of physical activity male did anaerobic exercise, the free ionized calcium will increase significantly (p<.o5).（4）Mode and intensity of physical activities have no significant effect on body’s regulating hormones.（5）Physical activity level is the major factor on bone density. High level of physical activity plus strength exercise can have additive effect on bone density. Conclusions: Regular high intensity exercise will help increase bone density. Strength exercise can maintain bone density not only through mechanical loading, but also through biochemical changes in free ionized calcium, blood pH which can positively affect bone density.

碩士
臺北市立大學
運動科學研究所
104
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of endurance exercise training with or without protein-based supplementation on muscle mass and mitochondria enzyme activity in disuse skeletal muscle atrophy caused by hindlimb suspension (HS). Method: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (230-280g) were weight-matched and assigned to the following 4 groups: Free control (FC), Hindlimb Suspension Placebo (H), Hindlimb Suspension + Exercise (HE), Hindlimb Suspension + Exercise+ Nutrition supplementation (HEN). After 10-days hindlimb suspension (HS) period, all rats were reloaded following one day of rest, thereafter endurance exercise procedure [treadmill running at a speed of 0.6 km/h to 1.2 km/h (+ 0.2 km/h per 3 days), 25 min/day (+ 5 min/3 days), 0% grade] and supplementation (10 ml/kg body wt of solution, containing 300 mg/kg body wt of leucine, 400 mg/kg of HMB, 400 mg/kg of whey protein, 200 mg/kg of casein, 600 mg/kg of glucose) were processed during the two-weeks reloading period. At the end of intervention, the soleus muscle mass and soleus cross-section area (CSA) were measured, and the intracellular level oxidative stress status, PGC-1α, 4-Hydroxynonenal, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 protein were measured. Result: After two weeks of intervention, body weight, muscle mass and muscle fiber CSA in H, HE, and HEN groups could not be restored, and these parameters were still significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.01). Endurance exercise training increased oxidative stress (TBARS) in HE and HEN (p < 0.05). PGC1-α protein level and mitochondria enzyme activity (CS) were greater in HE and HEN groups than FC and H groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, provision of protein supplementation during exercise training significantly induced a greater improvement in mitochondria enzyme activity (CS) in soleus muscle (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated that two weeks of hindlimb suspension caused muscle atrophy, decreasing body weight, muscle mass, and muscle fiber cross-section area. However, although endurance exercise training and/or combined with protein supplementation could not full recover unused muscular structure but still shown the minor benefits of increasing mitochondria enzyme activity, which might improve muscular metabolic function.

Serotonin receptor subtypes 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C are expressed in motoneurons and modulate motoneuron excitability. Serotonergic neurons, which increase their discharge with motor activity, make numerous contacts with motoneurons; however, little is known about the adaptability of motoneuron serotonin receptor expression in response to exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 7-day treadmill exercise protocol on 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA levels in rat lumbar motoneurons. Lumbar motoneurons of exercised and sedentary animals were collected via laser capture microdissection. RNA was isolated from these samples and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were performed to determine differences in receptor mRNA levels between exercised and sedentary animals. It appears that 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA levels are unaltered following 7 days of treadmill exercise; however, future research must be done to determine if an exercise effect exists when motoneurons are differentiated by type.

碩士
國立體育大學
體育研究所
95
The purpose of this study was to explore the outcome of the physical activity、Cardio-respiratory endurance and learning motivation of junior high school students under cooperative learning. The major instruments were Digital Mini Pedometer、Cardio-respiratory endurance Test and ARCS Learning Motivation Scale . The objects of study are the 64 students in the one of the junior high school of Taoyuan County. The objects of study separate into the cooperative learning group (experimental group: male 17, female 15) and the traditional teaching group (control group: male 17, female 15) by convenience sampling. After performing the traditional teaching 4 weeks on the experimental group and the control group, the experimental group was taught by cooperative learning for 8 weeks and the control group was still taught by the traditional teaching. The outcomes are as followings: 1.Comparing the pretest and the posttest of experimental group in the chart of ARCS Learning Motivation Scale, experimental group had significant differences, the two items which include on attentiveness, connection and had significant differences. 2.Comparing the pretest and the posttest of experimental male group in the Cardio-respiratory endurance, experimental group had significant standard, and female group was not significant. 3.The learning motivation charts of experimental group and control group had significant standard by comparing pretest and posttest. In charts, attentiveness, connection, reached significant differences. 4.In terms of physical activity trend, experimental group reached significant differences.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009.
Through the literature review it has become apparent that low back pain is a very real problem in most societies. It has been suggested that there is enough evidence to prove the relationship between low back pain and local muscle dysfunction and that focus in management of these patients should be the rehabilitation of these muscles by exercise. Literature suggests that optimal core muscle strength, control and endurance working synergistically with the rest of the neuromusculoskeletal system is necessary for lumbar spine stability . Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition is caused by distension and/or damage of a joint and is thought to disable the muscle from contracting all its muscle fibres. When a joint is injured it is thought that AMI causes muscle weakness, which in turn hampers the rehabilitation process of that joint despite complete muscle integrity. Spinal manipulative therapy has been shown to alter the excitability of spinal muscle motor neurons due to the stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the joint capsules suggesting that SMT could be a means to remove this inhibitory action. The literature supports the hypothesis that a decrease in the neurological deficit caused by AMI may result in a faster recovery rate. Aims The aim of this study is to determine the immediate effect of thoraco-lumbar spinal manipulation compared to lower lumbar spinal manipulation on core muscle endurance and activity in patients with mechanical low back pain by assessing the correlation between the objective and subjective measures. Method A prospective, convenience sample with purpose allocation (pre /post) clinical trial was used as the sampling method. Thirty participants where placed in two groups, group one and group two, of fifteen people each. Group one underwent spinal v manipulative therapy between L4 and S1 spinal levels. Group two underwent spinal manipulative therapy in between T8 and L1 spinal levels. The objective and subjective testing was done pre- and post-intervention. The objective data was that of a surface EMG attached bilaterally over the internal oblique as well as a prone abdominal draw in biofeedback test. The subjective data included a pain numerical rating scale (0-100). Results The results showed to partially favour group two (thoraco-lumbar), in both increased endurance time that would prove that AMI does in fact inhibit the transversus abdominis and obliques internus, thus it would hinder the rehabilitative process. Some of the statistics where not in favour of the aims, as there was no difference in the effect of group one or two on the NRS, as both improved consistently. It would be recommended that use be made of fine-wire EMG for testing the activity in both the obliques internus and the transversus abdominis, which would allow for more consistent readings, thus adding strength to the research.