Estudo comparativo dos valores de ângulo do retropé entre corredoras com sintomas no joelho e assintomáticas / Comparative study of rearfoot angle values between runners with and without knee symptoms

Introdução: As características morfológicas do pé sugerem desalinhamento dos membros inferiores, tornando praticantes de corrida mais susceptíveis a dor e lesões. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de dor e comparar as características morfológicas dos pés e alinhamento do retropé entre corredoras com sintomas no joelho e assintomáticas. Métodos: Estudo caso-controle, exploratório com abordagem quantitativa, com 31 mulheres corredoras. A presença de dor e lesões foi avaliada por meio de um questionário padronizado. A morfologia dos pés foi realizada através da inspeção, com registros fotográficos no plano posterior e o arco longitudinal do pé foi analisado através de podometria de pressão. Os dados foram analisados pelo SPSS versão 18.0. Na comparação das médias das variáveis dos ângulos de retropé foi utilizado o teste t Student para amostras independentes, considerando o p < 0,05. Resultados: Observouse que 86% das mulheres relataram sintoma predominante no joelho (64,51%). Na análise das características morfológicas dos pés, encontrou-se predomínio do tipo rebaixado e assimetria dos retropés no grupo sintomático. Conclusão: Apenas a assimetria entre os membros e as caraterísticas morfológicas do pé apresentam associação com a presença de dor no joelho. (AU)

Introduction: The morphological characteristics of foot suggests lower limbs misalignment, making street runners more susceptible to pain. Objective: To compare the morphological characteristics of the foot and rearfoot alignment between runners with or without knee symptoms, as well as to analyze the prevalence of pain. Methods: Case-control, exploratory and quantitative approach study, with 30 female runners. The presence of pain and lesions was evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. Foot morphology was analyzed through inspection, with photographic records in the posterior plane, and the longitudinal arch of the foot was measured by pressure podometry. The data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0. In the comparison of the means of the variables of the hindfoot angles, the Student t test was used for independent samples, considering p < 0.05. Results: We observed that 86% of the women reported a symptom, predominant in the knee (64.51%). In the analysis of the foot morphological characteristics, we found a predominance of the recessed type and asymmetry of the symptomatic group backs. Conclusion: Asymmetry between the limbs and morphological features of the foot are associated with knee pain. (AU)

A study on anterior cruciate ligament injury and knee stability with a silicon mesh brace / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Knee braces have been shown to improve knee mechanics in the case of slow walking, but most studies lack the data regarding the effects of a brace on knee injury in the case of lack of movement. OBJECTIVE: Jumping, emergency stop, rotation which easily induce knee joint injury during the rapid exercise were simulated to investigate whether silicon mesh braces can provide stable support for the knee joint and provide data support for the protection against anterior cruciate ligament injury. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects were selected to perform three movements: Squatting, one-leg jump and steering jump respectively with and without a brace. Reflection markers were placed on the feet, calves, thighs, and pelvis of the subjects. A Qualisys motion capture system was used to obtain kinematic data of the knee joints. Knee joint motion was compared between with and without a brace. This study was performed by Medical Ethics Committee of Guizhou College of Traditional Chinese Medicine on August 8, 2018 (approval No. 2018661). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in the angle and angular velocity of the knee joint among sagittal plane, coronal plane, and horizontal plane. The knee joint valgus and internal rotation angle were reduced when wearing a brace in particular in one-leg jump and steering jump. The angular velocity of horizontal surface rotation also decreased obviously when wearing a brace. These findings suggest that wearing a brace can affect the motion mechanics of the knee joint in the coronal and horizontal planes. This suggests that knee joint can effectively control the stability when wearing a brace in the process of dynamic movement, and wearing a brace can improve the control of knee peak valgus angular velocity and external rotation angular velocity, which can help effectively prevent anterior cruciate ligament injury of patients with anterior cruciate ligament defects.

A comparison of aerobic capacity in long-distance runners and triathletes with the same level of running performance / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to clarify the aerobic fitness of triathletes comparing with long-distance runners with the same level of running performance. Thirteen male university endurance athletes were divided into two groups ; long-distance runners and triathletes. The subjects performed maximal and submaximal treadmill running test to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy (RE). The VO2max (ml/kg/min) in triathletes was lower than that in the runners (p = 0.08, d = 1.18). The RE (ml/kg/km) in triathletes was higher than that in the runners (p = 0.05, d = 1.34). This study suggests that the difference of aerobic fitness between two homogeneous groups is caused by running form and the training with preceding exercise.

Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture in the Lateral Compartment of the Knee in a 64-Year-Old Marathon Runner

A 64-year-old marathon runner presented to our clinic with a history of worsening pain in her left knee. Following magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) was made. A course of conservative management via bisphosphonates was initiated. The patient successfully recovered and returned to full athletic function, having recently returned to competitive marathon running. This article aims to present this unusual case of lateral compartment SIFK and summarise the literature on this uncommon condition.

Relationships between running performance and the cross–sectional area of the psoas major, and peak oxygen uptake in elite junior long–distance runners / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between running performance and the cross–sectional area of the psoas major, peak oxygen uptake, and running economy in male junior long–distance runners. The subjects were 37 male junior athletes who achieved good records in interscholastic athletic competition during 5 years (2011–2015). Their seasonal best times in a 5,000 m race (5,000m–SB) were 14:04.11 ± 0:07.25 (13:53.64–14:16.15). In a multiple regression analysis, 5,000m–SB was statistical significantly correlated with the cross–sectional area of psoas major (16.0 ± 1.7 cm²) measured on magnetic resonance imaging and peak oxygen uptake (4.25 ± 0.36 l min^-1 [76.9 ± 5.8 ml min^-1 kg^-1]) during a lactate curve test comprising five stages. However, 5,000m–SB was not related to oxygen uptake at the work–load which was less than the load at the lactate threshold estimated by using the lactate curve test results. These results suggest that a high volume of the psoas major, the largest hip–flexor muscle, and peak oxygen uptake are among the important factors for junior long–distance runner performance.

Theme of Identity and Redemption in Khaleed Hossieni’s The Kite Runner.

The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a famous novel for its devastating and painfully honest depiction of identity, betrayal, deception and atonement. The narrative portrays the journey of a boy escaping from his haunted childhood while torturing himself with his own contrition. These two concepts of identity and redemption play a vital role in creating the string that binds the characters together. As a reader of The Kite Runner, one embarks on a journey that leads through the life of the glamorous prosperous Afghanis, as well as the treacherous horrific life of those less fortunate. Most importantly, however, one encounters face-to-face the good and evil that comes out when these two very distinct lives are intertwined. Amir‟s “unatoned sins”, as they are described in the novel‟s opening chapter, have plagued his conscience and cast an oppressive shadow over his joys and triumphs. The phone call interrupts Amir‟s seemingly comfortable life as a married man and newly-published novelist in America, and launches an epic journey back to Afghanistan in search of redemption. The present paper explores guilt and perseverance in The Kite Runner as the motivation for an individual to seek redemption and attain the satisfaction of self-fulfillment. Unfolded through the first person narrative mode , the novel is structured like the memory lane of the protagonist Amir whose sense of remorse and guilt over the sin of leaving behind his ever loyal friend Hassan, for reasons far too vague , force him to commit acts of expiation through return . Amir‟s return to homeland, tarnished and tattered by war, fundamentalism and the turbulence of a Taliban led regime unfolds his journey towards self identity and redemption. Unlike Changez in The Reluctant Fundamentalist, in The Kite Runner, Amir faces no sense of identity crisis in the adopted homeland. Rather he feels himself a stranger when he returns to the changed realities of his home town, Kabul. Amir‟s journey home in search of Hassan‟s surviving son, Sohrab is replete with conflict, violence and violations. In the novel, the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a volatile plane of clash and confrontation of identities and loyalties. As Seyham describes,” border carries intrinsically within itself an idea of perpetual motion and confrontation (201). The border thus turns almost into a real space in which the confrontations between cultures , nationalities and languages take place , and in which , ideally the culture of hybridization replaces the traditional idea of a national identity. Amir is a cultural hybrid which makes him distinct and unique. Thus the novel revolves around the central axiom of personal selves permeated by political prejudices and permutations.

FIRST APPROACH TO THE TROPHIC ECOLOGY AND DIET OF THE RAINBOW RUNNER, Elagatis bipinnulata (QUOY & GAIMARD, 1825) (PISCES: CARANGIDAE), IN THE CENTRAL COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN / Primera aproximación a la ecología trófica del salmón, Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) (Pisces: Carangidae), en el Caribe central colombiano

The rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata) scores high in trophic level (4.24) but it is not a voracious fish (Q/B = 10.8). Its diet is dominated by the dwarf herring (Jenkinsia lamprotaenia), eats more in the dry season, than in the rainy season and significantly more in the afternoon that in the morning suggesting preference for daylight feeding.

Lipid profile in sports persons playing different sports.

Background: The beneficial effects of exercise on plasma lipids have been widely explored. These changes depend upon the type of sports in which one is indulged. The aim of the present study was to analyze these changes in different sportspersons. Methods: 32 male sportspersons participating in 3 different games in the university were selected for this study. Lipid profile of the three groups was compared to each other. Results : Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels were found to be significantly lower in distance runners as compared to football players and basketball players . Whereas High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level was found to be significantly increased in runners as compared to other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the lipid profile is more favourable in sports involving more aerobic activity with less physical stress.

Nutrition interventions improve anemic status in male college long-distance runners / 体力科学

College athletes often tend to suffer from defective nutrition status due to excessive physical training with inadequate dietary intakes, which resulted in various physical disorders such as anemia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of nutrition interventions to the anemic state of long distance runners. A nutritional education program was applied and daily single pack of nutritional supplement drink rich in iron, zinc, copper, selenium as well as eleven vitamins were provided for two months. Blood hemoglobin, red blood cells as well as serum ferritin and iron levels after the intervention were significantly higher compared with the basal, pre-intervention level of respective items. Among the subjects, two were found to be anemic (hemoglobin<13g/dl) before the intervention. Both of them, however, were successfully recovered to normal status (hemoglobin≧13g/dl) thereafter. The pre-intervention levels of hemoglobin were negatively correlated to the amount of difference between those of pre- and post-intervention, which appeared to indicate an improvement of nutrient deficiency that caused the hypochromia. On the other hands, the intake of energy and nutrients from meals did not change before and after the intervention. From the results obtained, it seems to be appropriate to emphasize the importance of nutrition education, especially, a possible effectiveness of including multiple nutrient supplementation in nutrition program for college athletes is suggested.

THE <i>ACTN3</i> R577X NONSENSE ALLELE IS UNDER-REPRESENTED IN ELITE-LEVEL JAPANESE ENDURANCE RUNNERS / 体力科学

<b>Background:</b> Although previous reports have shown a lower proportion of the ACTN3 XX genotype (R577X nonsense polymorphism) in sprint/power athletes compared with controls, possibly attributed to the importance of skeletal muscle function associated with alpha-actinin-3 deficiency, the findings on association between endurance athlete status and R577X genotype are equivocal. <b>Purpose:</b> The present study was undertaken to examine association of <i>ACTN3</i> R577X genotype with elite Japanese endurance athlete status. <b>Subjects and Methods:</b> Subjects comprised 79 elite Japanese endurance runners (E) who participated in competition at national level and 96 Japanese controls (C). We divided endurance runners into two groups, i.e., 42 national level runners (E-N) and 37 international level runners (E-I) who had represented Japan in international competition. R577X genotype (rs1815739) was analyzed by direct sequencing. Frequency differences of polymorphisms between athletes and controls were examined by Chi-square tests. <b>Result:</b> The R allele frequency tended to be higher in E group than in C group (P=0.066). When we divided E into two groups, the R allele frequency in E-I group was significantly higher than that in C group (P=0.046); whereas there were no significant differences between E-N and C groups (p=0.316). Then, the three genetic models were tested. In the additive genetic model (RR>RX>XX), there were significantly differences between E-I and C (P=0.038), but not the dominant (RR vs. RX+XX) and the recessive (RR+RX vs. XX) genetic models. <b>Conclusion:</b> R allele of the R577X genotype in the <i>ACTN3</i> gene was associated with elite Japanese endurance athlete status.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT STRETCHING ON RANGE OF MOTION AND RUNNING ECONOMY IN LONG DISTANCE RUNNERS / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of autostretching and static stretching on range of motion (ROM) and running economy (RE) in long-distance runners. Twenty-two male distance runners were randomly assigned to an autostretching group (n=8), a static stretching group (n=7) and non-intervention control group (n=7). The experimental protocol was composed of interventions between treadmill runnings for RE. The interventions were either autostretching or static stretching, after the first treadmill running. The oxygen consumption (VO₂) as RE was measured at three steady-state running speeds (240m/min, 268m/min, and 295m/min). Goniometric measurements of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion ROM were taken immediately before and after each treadmill running for RE. The results showed that the autostoretching group had a significant decrease in VO₂ at 240m/min (p＜0.05), and at 268m/min (p＜0.05). On the other hand, the control group had a significant increase in VO₂ only at 295m/min (p＜0.05). At the same time, the autostretching group had significant improvements in ROM for hip flexion (p＜0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (p＜0.05). The static stretching group had no significant changes in RE or ROM. The results of this experiment suggest that autostretching had a positive effect in improving RE in subjects of this study, and indicate the possibility that improved RE leads to the improvement of long-distance runners' performance.

Comparison of Interleukin-8 Levels in Long-Distance Runners and Healthy Sedentary Non-Athletic Control Subjects

We have previously demonstrated that the level of leukocytes and neutrophils significantly increased immediately and 30 min after exercise. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an inflammatory cytokine that acts as a chemokine on neutrophils. In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between the number of neutrophils and leukocytes, and between the number of neutrophils and plasma IL-8 level. Long-distance trained runners (TRs, n = 10) and untrained sedentary control subjects (SEDs, n = 10) ran for one hour at 70% of heart rate reserve. In the TR, the number of neutrophils correlated significantly with the number of leukocytes in the blood. However, there was no correlation between the number of neutrophils and the plasma IL-8 concentration in both groups. Expressions of IL-8 protein and mRNA were markedly higher in the TRs as compared to the SEDs at three time intervals (pre-exercise, immediately after exercise, and post exercise). In conclusion, our results show that 1) the neutrophil level was dependent on the level of leukocytes 2) there was no correlation between the neutrophils count and plasma IL-8 concentration and 3) a higher plasma IL-8 level in athletes may be a unique characteristic of intensive training.

EFFECT OF DIETARY HEME-IRON INTAKES ON THE PREVENTION OF IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA / 体力科学

Purpose : This study was undertaken to clarify the effect of heme-iron supplementation on the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia in male collegiate distance runners.Methods : Forty-one male collegiate runners were divided into three groups, consisting of a heme-iron group (HI), a citrate-iron group (CI), and a non-iron group (NI). Iron tablets (heme-iron or citrate-iron) were administered at a dose of 7 mg per day for two months. The blood components and nutritional intakes were estimated before and after the intervention.Results : The nutritional intakes did not differ among the three groups. The red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, Glutamic-Pyruvate Transferase and <i>γ</i>-Glutamyl Transpeptidase levels were unchanged throughout the experimental periods. After the intervention, the serum iron levels significantly decreased in the NI group but not in the iron-supplemented groups, while the reticulocytes counts increased among the three groups.Conclusion : The small amount of heme-iron supplementation was thus found to have a preventive effect on iron deficiency anemia without causing any negative side affects.

Sweating by Exercise Controls Body Temperature through Increase of Interleukin-1beta

This study was designed to investigate the expression and production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in human peripheral blood of trained runners and untrained controls after temporary moderate intensity exercise. Male long-distance trained runners (TR) and untrained sedentary control subjects (SED) ran for 1 h at 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR). IL-1beta gene and protein expressions were significantly higher in TR than those with SED at all 3 intervals examined independently. Significant increases in total sweat volume and oral temperature were observed after exercise in both groups, however, there were some differences between the groups. We conclude, therefore, that sweating due to exercise is associated with increase of IL-1beta and it is correlated with decrease of oral temperature.

The Effect of Grape Procyanidins on Hemorheology in Long Distance Runner in vitro and in vivo / 中国慢性病预防与控制

Objective To study the effects of Grape Procyanidins(GPC)on hemorheology in long distance runner.Method In vitro study: 22 long distance runners were divided into two groups randomly,the experimental group and control group.With ten days period,the experimental group was given GPC 200 mg per day;while the control group were given the capsule of starch 200 mg per day.In vivo study: the vein blood samples were taken from 5 long distance runners and every example was divided into five parts,and then treated with different concentrations of GPC or H2O2.Items of the hemorheology such as Er,HCT,Eb,Ep,PFC and VAI were tested both in vivo and vitro before and after the study.Results in vitro study: all items of the experimental group showed significant decline at then end of the study than those before the study.The contents of Er,Eb and Ep before the study(6.830?0.164,4.145?0.177,1.647?0.020,respectively) were significantly higher than those after the study(6.759?0.158,4.088?0.173,1.621?0.013,respectively)(P

Running Injuries

Running is becoming one of the most popular leisure sports. Part of the growing popularity of running is its easy accessibility and health benefits. The incidence of running injuries rates ranges from 37% to 56%, which incidence rate is still 2 to 6 times lower than in all other sports. Most running injuries are musculoskeletal overuse syndrome of the lower extremity. The risk factors of running injuries can be training errors, improper running surface, worn shoes, body flexibility, prior injury. The knee is the most common site of injury and accouts for 25% to 33% of all, and pa-tellofemoral stress syndrome is the most common known as runner's knee. Iliotibial band syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, plantar fascitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fracture are common injuries in runners. The physical examination includes a biomechanical screening to identify related imbalances. Additionally, each runner is observed walking and running. This comprehensive, running specific approach to diagnosis can be helpful in developing optimum rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation of Running Injuries

Running is becoming one of the most popular leisure sports. The growing popularity of running is due in part to its easy accessibility and health benefits. The incidence of running injuries ranges from 37% to 56%, which is still 2 to 6 times lower than in other sports. Most running injuries are musculoskeletal overuse syndrome of the lower extremities. The risk factors of running injuries include training errors, improper running surface, worn shoes, body flexibility, and prior injury. The knee is the most common site of injury and accounts for 25% to 33% of all, and patellofemoral stress syndrome is most commonly known as 'runner's knee'. Iliotibial band syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, plantar fascitis, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fracture are all common injuries among runners. The process of rehabilitation is to be divided into four stages according to the athlete's level of function; the initial stage, intermediate stage, advanced stage, and final stage.

COMPARISON OF NUTRIENT INTAKE, AND RATIOS OF CREATININE, BODY MASS INDEX AND BASAL METABOLIC RATE TO MINERAL (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu) EXCRETION IN 24-HOUR URINE BETWEEN MALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WITH FEW EXERCISE AND MALE UNIVERSITY DISTANCE RUNNERS / 体力科学

This study was carried out to compare the nutrient intake, urinary excretion of mineral (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu ), and the ratios of creatinine (Cr), body mass index (BMI) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) to the amount of mineral in 24-hour urine between both the male university students with few exercise (non-exercisers) and male university distance runners. The propriety of ratios of Cr, BMI and BMR was also examined in order to estimate intake of mineral for the male university distance runners.<BR>There were no significant differences in the intakes of energy, protein and carbohydrate between the both groups of subjects, and those major nutrients were at reasonable levels for the both groups of subjects. On the other hand, neither the intake levels of VB<SUB>6</SUB>, Ca, Mg, and Cu in the non-exercisers, nor niacin, Mg and Cu in the male university distance runners reached the level of Recommended Dietary Allowance for the Japanese. The intakes of retinol, VB<SUB>1</SUB>, VB<SUB>6</SUB> and Ca were higher in the male university distance runners than in the non-exercisers. The urinary excretion and excretion ratio to intake of Zn, excretion ratio of Na, ratios of Cr, BMI and BMR of Zn, and Cr ratio of Na were higher in the non-exercisers than those in the male university distance runners. So as to achieve the same levels of Cr ratios of Ca and Zn as the non-exercisers, the male university long distance runners should take larger amounts of those minerals than the non-exercisers. It was suggested that the ratio of BMR rather than that of Cr ratio to urinary excretion of mineral would be suitable for the estimation of a desirable intake level of mineral for the male university distance runners.

Zinc balance in male student long distance runners / 体力科学

To determine the zinc (Zn) status in long distance runners during the period after the running season, Zn balance was measured in 12 male student long distance runners for five days. Daily dietary intake of energy and Zn were 3000 kcal and 38 mg, respectively. Twenty-four-hour urine Zn excretion exceeded the standard value, the serum Zn concentration was within the normal range, and the sweat Zn concentration was relatively low, but prominently positive Zn balances were observed 11 of the 12 subjects. These results suggest that the Zn status in long distance runners during runnning season is low or deficient.