Moderate-Intensity Exercise Preserves Bone Mineral Density and Improves Femoral Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture in Middle-Aged Mice

Background@#Aging leads to significant bone loss and elevated osteoporosis risk. Exercise slows age-related bone loss; however, the effects of various moderate-intensity exercise training volumes on bone metabolism remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the degree to which different volumes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training influence bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), femoral trabecular bone microarchitecture, and cortical bone in middle-aged mice. @*Methods@#Twenty middle-aged male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned 8 weeks of either (1) non-exercise (CON); (2) moderate-intensity with high-volume exercise (EX_MHV); or (3) moderate-intensity with low-volume exercise (EX_MLV) (N=6-7, respectively). Femoral BMD and BMC were evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and trabecular and cortical bone were measured using micro-computed tomography. @*Results@#Femoral BMD in EX_MHV but not EX_MLV was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in CON. The distal femoral fractional trabecular bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV, %) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in both EX_MHV and EX_MLV than in CON mice. Increased BV/TV was induced by significantly increased trabecular thickness (mm) and tended to be higher (P<0.10) in BV (mm3) and lower in trabecular separation (mm) in EX_MHV and EX_MLV than in CON. The femoral mid-diaphysis cortical bone was stronger in EX_MLV than EX_MHV. @*Conclusions@#Long-term moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with low to high volumes can be thought to have a positive effect on hindlimb BMD and attenuate age-associated trabecular bone loss in the femur. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be an effective and applicable exercise regimen to prevent age-related loss of BMD and BV.

Corrigendum to “The Influence of Wheelchair Use of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury on Upper Extremity Muscular Function and Cross-Sectional Area” / 대한스포츠의학회지

The name of one of the author was incorrectly presented: Geun-Ho Lee should read Kun-Ho Lee.

Change of Pain, Lumbar Sagittal Alignment and Multifidus after Sling Exercise Therapy for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of sling exercise therapy on vertebral alignment, VAS, muscle activity, and multifidus of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Simple random sampling was used to divide the patients (n=116) into the sling exercise therapy group (SETG) and conservative physical therapy group (CPTG), with each group provided a intervention program in 3 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), lumbar intervertebral disc angle (LIVDA) for vertebral alignment, lumbar muscle activity, and multifidus atrophy were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: SETG showed significant changes in LLA, LIVDA of rate of change (delta score), and in relieving pain. The right-left balance gap for the lumbar dynamic muscle activity decreased after the intervention. The SETG showed significant changes in the grade of lumbar multifidus atrophy. CONCLUSION: The sling exercise therapy program is an effective exercise therapy method on vertebral alignment, muscle activity, recovery from multifidus atrophy, and pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.

The Influence of Wheelchair Use of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury on Upper Extremity Muscular Function and Cross-Sectional Area / 대한스포츠의학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to compare the upper extremity muscular function and cross-sectional area (CSA) between wheelchair users and a pedestrian group and to observe how the changes in the muscle CSA affected upper extremity muscle function. METHODS: The study was conducted on 10 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who were divided into two groups based on whether they used wheelchairs (wheelchair using [WU] group and pedestrian [PS] group). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze the data and determine whether there were significant differences between the groups. RESULTS: Muscle mass in the WU group was significantly lower than in the PS groups (p < 0.01), while body fat percentage in the WU group was significantly higher than in the PS group (p < 0.05). The peak torque of shoulder external and right internal rotation was higher in the WU group than in the PS group (p < 0.05). Wrist muscle function was not significantly different for either group. In addition, the CSA of the right wrist extensor carpi radialis longus and left extensor digitorum communis was higher in the WU group than in the PS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using a manual wheelchair may benefit upper extremity function by increasing CSA and muscle function in patients with SCI despite having a negative effect on body composition. However, there is an increased risk of injury with SCI associated with upper extremity overload; thus, an effective exercise protocol is needed to prevent muscle imbalance and injury.

Determination of the Main Theme and Tasks for an Obesity Educator Training Program

After discussion about the need to develop an obesity educator training program and certification for obesity educators, the Education Committee of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity has developed and determined the main theme for the Obesity Educator Training Program implemented as a workshop and public hearing. We reviewed the process of the determination of the main theme and discuss topics such as subjects, operation of the program, and certification processing to design a credible obesity educator training program.

Maximal Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise in Korean Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate exercise intensity associated with maximum fat oxidation, improvement of body composition, and metabolic status in Korean women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The study included a T2DM group (12 women) and a control group (12 women). The groups were matched in age and body mass index. The subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to measure their maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax). We also measured their body composition, metabolic profiles, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). RESULTS: The exercise intensity for Fatmax was significantly lower in the T2DM group (34.19% maximal oxygen uptake [VO2 max]) than the control group (51.80% VO2 max). Additionally, the rate of fat oxidation during exercise (P<0.05) and mtDNA (P<0.05) were significantly lower in the T2DM group than the control group. The VO2 max level (P<0.001) and the insulin level (P<0.05) were positively correlated with the rate of fat oxidation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest lower exercise intensity that achieves Fatmax is recommended for improving fat oxidation and enhancing fitness levels in Korean women with T2DM. Our data could be useful when considering an exercise regimen to improve health and fitness.

Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Circulating Adiponectin and Inflammatory Makers in Obese Middle-Aged Women

BACKGROUND: Exercise intensity may induce changes in inflammatory markers and adipocytokines. However, it is not clear whether acute exercise-induced change to adiponenctin is associated with inflammatory markers and other adipocytokines in obese middle-aged individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on circulating adipocytokines and inflammatory markers in obese middle-aged women. METHODS: Using a crossover design, 10 obese middle-aged women (aged 48.4+/-5.1 years; body mass index 29.6+/-2.9 kg/m2) exercised on the treadmill at different durations and velocities at 60% and 80% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in order to equalize energy expenditure (400 kcal). Blood samples were drawn to measure glucose, insulin, fibrinogen, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin concentrations. RESULTS: Glucose, fibrinogen, and hsCRP increased significantly (P<0.05) after exercise whereas homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance decreased significantly (P<0.05). Adiponectin, leptin, and TNF-alpha levels did not change significantly at immediate postexercise, and there were also no significant time x intensity interactions for all variables. The percentage change in adiponectin concentration from baseline to the end of exercise correlated with the percentage change in leptin concentration (r=-0.642, P<0.05) with 60% VO2max exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that, in obese middle-aged women, neither 60% nor 80% VO2max exercise alters adiponectin concentration, in spite of the changes to insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. However, after acute moderate exercise, adiponectin concentration may be associated with the change in leptin levels.

A Feasibility Study of an Exercise Intervention Based on Self-efficacy Theory among Overweight and Obese College Students in Korea

PURPOSE: This study explored the feasibility of a 12 week self-efficacy based exercise intervention for overweight and obese college students. METHOD: A repeated measure, 4-group randomized controlled design was used. Students were recruited from two universities, in Seoul, Korea using: (1) flyers either on the campus bulletin boards or in campus restrooms; (2) advertisement on campus e-board; and (3) self-referral. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Korean college students aged 18 to 29; (2) BMI >23; (3) viscerally obese; and (4) accessible to a phone and a computer. Participants completed three self-reported questionnaires: socio-demographic questionnaire (at the baseline), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (at the baseline and 12th week), and Physical Fitness sub-subscale (at the baseline and 12th week). Additionally, physiological data (height, weight, blood pressure) were collected at the baseline and 12th week. Descriptive statistics and a two-way mixed ANOVA were performed using SPSS12.0. RESULTS: No significant group difference was observed. However, students with increased exercise self-efficacy during the program showed better physical fitness in the 12th week. When students' physical fitness was enhanced, the physiological factors were improved. CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy based exercise intervention may be applicable and acceptable to the college students. It is necessary to conduct a replicated study with a larger sample and an elongated intervention period.