[Effects of combined training on FGF23 and some vascular calcification risk factors in hemodialysis patients]

Background and Objectives: Deaths from cardiovascular diseases following chronic kidney diseases are rising widely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined regular exercise during dialysis on intervening risk factors for vascular calcification diseases

Materials and Methods: Forty-five selected hemodialysis patients with a mean age of 61 +/- 9.02 years weighing 69 +/- 11.25 kg, were randomly assigned to the exercise [n=24] and control [n=21] groups. The exercise group participated in a 16-week combined exercise program. Training program included foot pedal ergometer and foot resistance exercises using weights during dialysis sessions three times a week. Parameters associated with calcification and renal function [FGF23, PTH, P and Ca] and quality of life were measured before and after the training program period

Results: Following four months combined training, parathyroid hormone and phosphorus levels significantly reduced. There were not any significant changes in blood fibroblast growth factor 23 and calcium levels. Also, exercise significantly improved the quality of life and physical functions in hemodialysis patients

Conclusion: Physical activity in hemodialysis patients is associated with changes in some factors related to vascular calcification and also improvement in the quality of life

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1 and its binding protein responses to a session of endurance exercises in healthy elderly men

This study investigated the effect of endurance activity on brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] and its binding protein 3 [IGFBP-3] in elderly healthy individuals. Eleven healthy old males [mean age of 68 +/- 2.31 years old, height of 177 +/- 3.1 cm and weight of 79 +/- 1.5 kg] were studied. Seventy two hours after maximal oxygen consumption [VO[2] max] evaluation, the participants performed an endurance activity at the intensity of 70% of their VO[2] max. Three blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein before, immediately and 30 minutes after the activity. The data were analyzed by repeated measures [P

Effect of strength training and short-term detraining on muscle mass in women aged over 50 years old

The loss of muscle mass is associated with aging. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training and detraining on muscle mass in elderly women. Twenty post-menopausal women aged >/= 50 years old were enrolled. Matching for age, they were randomly assigned into control and resistance training group [RT]. The intervention consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions for 10 movements with Thera-Band tubing [based on 80-100% 10-RM], three times a week, for 12 weeks and thereafter, four weeks detraining. Skinfold thickness was determined by caliper. Percentage of body fat was estimated from skinfold thickness [triceps and subscapular] by McArdle method. Fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM] were calculated. Range of motion for trunk flexion and extension was determined. During 12 weeks of intervention, significant increases were observed in 1-RM of biceps curl, FFM, trunk flexion and extension and significant decreases during four weeks detraining in RT group. The RT group demonstrated significant decreases during resistance training and increases during detraining in skinfold thickness. FFM, trunk flexion, and extension decreased and skinfold thickness,%FM, and weight of body fat increased in the control group [P < 0.05]. Resistance training with Thera-Band enhanced strength and muscle endurance in elderly women and a 4-week detraining period had an adverse effect on muscle power. This suggests that a strength training program is an effective intervention to prevent functional reductions, and can contribute to improve neuromuscular function in older adults