ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In the present pilot study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the Silverrobics exercise program, which is similar to aerobic dance, on the factors related to glucose metabolism and liver enzymes. METHODS: Eight elderly women with obesity and impaired fasting glucose participated in the Silverrobics exercise program (60 minutes per session for five times a week for 8 weeks). The program was conducted at 50-60% of the heart rate reserve at 1 to 2 weeks and at 60-80% of the heart rate reserve at 3 to 8 weeks. To verify the effect of this 8-week exercise program on glucose metabolism and liver enzymes, blood analysis at pre- and post-training was performed. RESULTS: After the Silverrobics exercise program, there were significant decreases in the glucose (p<0.05), glycated hemoglobin A1c (p<0.05), 1,5-anhydroglucitol (p<0.05), and insulin levels (p<0.01) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance score (p<0.05). However, there were no significant effects on the liver enzymes, except for alkaline phosphatase. The alkaline phosphatase level increased after the Silverrobics exercise program (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the Silverrobics exercise program had no beneficial effects on the liver enzymes, it may play an important role in preventing liver diseases considering the effects on glucose metabolism.
ABSTRACT
In this pilot study, we investigated the effect of spatone, a naturally occurring mineral water supplement, on endurance capacity and inflammatory cytokines in wrestlers undergoing a rapid weight control program. Nine amateur university wrestlers participated and were randomly divided into placebo- and spatone-treated groups. The study used a crossover design, including a 4-week washout period. The rapid weight control program was focused on body weight loss, while maintaining their athletic performance (muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance). The initial body weight was 87.19 ± 2.45 kg in the spatone-treated group and 86.60 ± 3.01 kg in the placebo group. After the rapid weight control program, the body weight decreased to 83.56 ± 2.71 kg (4.21% decrease) in the spatone-treated group and 82.95 ± 2.97 kg (4.16% decrease) in the placebo group. However, there were no significant differences in body weight or body composition between placebo- and spatone-treated groups. Endurance capacity improved significantly in terms of VO2max and lactate accumulation after spatone supplement. The interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 concentrations were not altered with spatone treatment or placebo in the rapid weight-loss condition; however, a positive relationship (R = 0.643, P = .023) was observed between the change in IL-6 and VO2max. Thus, our results are consistent with prior studies in that spatone supplementation could protect against iron loss induced by intense training, considering that spatone affects the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and exercise capacity. These preliminary results serve to facilitate the planning for the nutritional application of spatone with their exercise program for wrestlers.
