Blood flow restriction training on physical parameters in elite male canoe athletes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on muscle size, strength and athletic performance in elite canoe athletes aged 18 to 25 years. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (INT-gr) (n = 17, age: 18.59 ± 0.71 years) and the control group (CONT-gr) (n = 16, age: 18.81 ± 1.11 years). Anthropometric measurements, muscle size measured by ultrasound (US), strength measurements with an isokinetic dynamometer, and ergometer performance with an indoor ergometer were conducted before and after the exercise program. Knee flexion and extension and leg press one-repetition maximum (1 RM) tests were performed to determine the participants' training program. The INT-gr performed 1 RM 30% resistance training + BFR for 8 weeks, while the CONT-gr performed 1 RM 30% resistance training (RT) without BFR with their routine training program. US was used to measure the cross sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the quadriceps femoris (QF) and Hamstring (H) muscles in the pre-post design, and the isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the strength of bilateral 60˚/s and 300˚/s peak torque (PT) values of the QF and H. Sports performance was tested on an indoor ergometer at distances of 200, 500, and 1000 m. RESULTS: The changes in bilateral rectus femoris (RF) CSA and VL thickness measurements in the INT-gr were significant (P < .05). Ergometer performance measurements showed a significant improvement over CONT-gr at all distances (P < .05). In terms of strength scores measured by the isokinetic dynamometer, the right QF and H 300˚/s and the left QF 60˚/s PT values were significantly in favor of INT-gr. CONCLUSION: BFR exercises are effective to increase strength, muscle size, and ergometer performance in elite canoe athletes.

Effects of two different stretching techniques on proprioception and hamstring flexibility: a pilot study.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the immediate and long-term effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contract-relax-antagonist-contract (CRAC) exercises versus static stretching on proprioception and flexibility in males with hamstring shortness. Patients & methods: Knee extension angle test was used to measure flexibility and isokinetic dynamometer to evaluate proprioception. Assessments were evaluated at baseline, after first exercise and eighth week. The hamstring stretching was applied 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: Flexibility and position sense were similar in the immediate and long term (p > 0.05). However, the motion sense increased significantly in long term within the PNF CRAC group (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Both stretching exercises are effective for improving flexibility. Moreover, PNF CRAC improved motion sense more than static stretching in the long term. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04026646.

Effects of clinical Pilates exercises on cardiovascular endurance and psychosomatic parameters on primary caregivers of special needs children: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE), applied to the primary caregivers of special needs children, on cardiovascular endurance (CVE) and psychosomatic parameters in comparison to a control group. METHODS: Fifty-five primary caregivers of special needs children, divided into two groups as the CPE and control groups, were included in the study. The six-minute walk test, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure CVE, fatigue severity, attitudes toward coping with problems, depression levels and anxiety levels, respectively. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the groups in favor of the CPE group were found concerning the denial parameter of COPE, fatigue (which was the primary outcome), depression and anxiety (all p values < 0.05). Statistically significant intragroup comparison differences were only detected in the CPE group in the fatigue, depression, anxiety and COPE (use of instrumental and emotional social support and focus on and venting of emotions) questionnaire results (all p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CPE are an applicable and effective method for the primary caregivers of special needs children in improving psychosomatic parameters, albeit not effective for CVE. It is recommended to investigate the long-term effects of clinical Pilates exercises on a similar group.

Effects of clinical Pilates on the fitness in people with children with disabilities: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises (CPE) on Health-Related Physical Fitness in Primary Caregivers. Patients & methods: Fifty-five participants were randomly divided into the CPE group and the Control group. Individuals in the CPE group performed CPE two-times a week for 8 weeks. Results: The intergroup comparisons showed that there were significant differences in favor of the CPE group in the sit-up test, body extension endurance, body flexion endurance, side bridge (right), squat test and flexibility tests (p < 0.05). The intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences in the CPE group in the sit-up test, body flexion endurance, side bridge (both sides), squat test and flexibility tests (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CPEs are effective on improvement of health-related fitness parameters in the primary caregivers of children with disabilities. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03729466.

Effects of Thrower's Ten exercises on upper extremity performance: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The Thrower's Ten Exercise program is an exercise program especially designed to improve the strength, power and endurance of the shoulder complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Thrower's Ten exercises on the upper extremity performance in healthy sedentary individuals. METHODS: 36 healthy sedentary individuals completed this study conducted with a randomized controlled design. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: exercise and control. The exercise group received a training of the Thrower's Ten exercises of 50-minute sessions 3 times a week for a duration of 8 weeks. Before and after the study, the subjects were tested for dynamic balance on the upper extremity with the Upper Limp Y balance test and for explosive power with the medicine ball throw test. Moreover, the strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60°/second. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT04162886. RESULTS: A comparison between the groups showed significant differences in terms of dynamic balance and explosive power (P < .05), but not in terms of isokinetic muscle strength and body composition (P > .05). On the other hand, comparisons of the dynamic equilibrium, explosive power and isokinetic muscle strength parameters within the exercise group returned statistically different results (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Thrower's Ten exercises represent an effective method to improve the balance on the upper extremity, explosive power and isokinetic strength in healthy sedentary individuals.

Effectiveness of functional exercises on pain and sleep quality in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem in young women and adolescents. Exercise therapy provides positive effects on women with primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program on pain, sleep and menstrual symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The study is a randomized controlled study. The study included 28 sedentary individuals. The participants were assigned to two groups as the exercise (mean age 22.9 ± 2.0 years) and the control (mean age 23.1 ± 1.8 years) groups. The exercise protocol was carried out with the exercise group three times a week for eight weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for assessing the intensity of pain. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used for evaluating menstrual symptoms and sleep quality, respectively. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT03625375. RESULTS: The comparisons between the groups revealed statistically significant differences in abdominal pain severity, MSQ total score and the subscale scores of negative outcomes and management methods (p < 0.05). The intragroup comparisons of the exercise group demonstrated that the scores of the low back pain and abdominal pain and the MSQ and PSQI scores were found to be significantly different after the 8-week program (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined exercise therapy is an effective way to manage symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea.

The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Recovering From Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Crossover Study.

CONTEXT: Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular taping technique used in the recovery process; however, in the relevant literature, there is no real consensus on its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rectus femoris KT application after delayed onset muscle soreness enhances recovery of muscle soreness, edema, and physical performance. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 healthy amateur male athletes participated in this study. DESIGN: Randomized, crossover study. SETTING: Human performance laboratory of the university. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed an exercise protocol inducing delayed onset muscle soreness. They accomplished 2 distinct trials, with or without KT. The washout period between trials was 6 weeks. For the KT condition, KT inhibition technique was used and applied immediately after exercise bilaterally on rectus femoris. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle soreness, and edema were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise. Dynamic balance, sprint, and horizontal jump were evaluated at similar time frame except for 30-minute postexercise. RESULTS: The findings showed that there were no significant differences between the KT group (KTG) and control group for all outcome variables (P > .05). Muscle soreness returned to baseline values 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P > .05). Although the horizontal jump performance decreased substantially from baseline to 24 and 48 hours postexercise only within the control group (P < .05), the performance increased significantly from 24 to 72 hours postexercise within the KTG (P < .05). Balance increased significantly from baseline to 48 hours postexercise (P < .05) in both groups. Balance also increased significantly from baseline to 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P < .05). The effect size of soreness which is our primary outcome was large in both groups (r > .5). CONCLUSIONS: KT is favorable in the recovery of muscle soreness after delayed onset muscle soreness. KT has beneficial effects on horizontal jump performance and dynamic balance.

Side-to-side asymmetry in lower limb strength and hamstring-quadriceps strength ratio among collegiate American football players.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate the lower limbs injury risk factors that are based on conventional Hamstring to Quadriceps ratio and limb asymmetry index in varsity American football players. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-six varsity American football players aged 19-27 years and with 2.31 ± 1.29 years of American football experience from Dogu Akdeniz University volunteered to undergo measurements of average peak torque for isokinetic flexion and extension of dominant limb and non-dominant limb at 60°·s-1 and 300°·s-1. Hamstring to Quadriceps ratio and limb asymmetry index were also calculated for Hamstring and Quadriceps muscles. [Results] Statistical analysis revealed that dominant Quadriceps is stronger than non-dominant Quadriceps at 60°·s-1 speed. No statistical difference was found between dominant and non-dominant Hamstring peak torque at 60°·s-1 . Hamstring to Quadriceps ratio determined as normal both for 60°·s-1 and 300°·s-1according to the currently reported cut off value (H:Q ratio >60). Hamstring and Quadriceps limb asymmetry index also determined as normal (cut off value for LSI 10%) at 60°·s-1. However, for both Hamstring and Quadriceps, side- to- side strength asymmetry at 300°·s-1 was observed. [Conclusion] To prevent possible lower limb injury and to increase performance, varsity American football players who are actively training and competing might consider taking strength asymmetry into account to tailor their strength training program accordingly.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB-T) scale.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FAB(FAB-T) scale in the older Turkish adults. METHODS: The reliability and validity of the scale was tested on 200 community-dwelling older adults. FAB-T scale was scored by different physiotherapists on different days to evaluate inter-rater and intrarater reliability. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used for the evaluation of convergent validity, and the content validity of the FAB-T scale was investigated. RESULTS: The FAB-T scale showed very high inter- and intra-rater reliability. For inter-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.92 (95 %CI; 0.90-0.94) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95-0.97) respectively. The intra-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.93 (95 %CI; 0.91- 0.95) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95- 0.97) respectively. There was a good agreement between the FAB-T and BBS scales. A high correlation was found between the BBS and FAB-T scales [rho = 0.70 (%95 CI; 0.62-0.76)] indicating good convergent validity. Considering the content validity of the FAB-T scale, no floor (floor score: 0%) or ceiling (ceiling score: 6.5%) effect was detected. CONCLUSION: The FAB-T scale was successfully translated from the original English version (FAB) and demonstrated strong psychometric features. It was found that the FAB-T scale has very high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Considering the convergent validity, the scale has high correlation with the BBS. The FAB-T has no floor and ceiling effect.

Evaluation of the physical activity level, nutrition quality, and depression in patients with metabolic syndrome: Comparative study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex problem that contains risk factors related with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type-II diabetes. The incidence of MetS is increasing every year throughout the world.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare physical activity levels, nutrition quality, and depression status of the individuals who are diagnosed with and without MetS.International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. In addition, biochemical analysis and anthropometric measurements were also taken.According to IPAQ, 81.1% of the MetS group is inactive, 6.8% is active, and 5.1% is highly active, whereas 22.3% of the non-MetS group is inactive, 46.2% is active, and 31.5% is highly active. MEDAS was found to be lower in the MetS group. BDI levels were also determined high in the MetS group.Sedentary lifestyle, depression, and unhealthy nutrition habits are among the significant factors for the development of MetS. The knowledge levels of the people should be increased by developing national physical activity and nutrition guidelines.

Effects of three different stretching techniques on vertical jumping performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate 3 different flexibility techniques: (a) ballistic stretching (BS), (b) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) + BS, and (c) PNF + static stretching (SS) on vertical jump (VJ) performance and to determine the most appropriate stretching method during warm-up period before explosive force disciplines. One hundred voluntary male athletes participated in this study. All subjects performed aerobic warm-up (5-minute jog) followed by BS (5 seconds for each stretching exercise), PNF + BS (PNF performed followed by 5 seconds of BS), and PNF + SS (PNF performed followed by 30 seconds of SS) treatment protocol, respectively in the same day. Each stretching treatment was applied for 4 sets bilaterally. In all stretching treatments, lumbar extensor, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles were stretched with a single stretching exercise. After a 2-minute brief rest period, participants performed 3 trials of VJ test followed by one of the treatment protocols. Vertical jump performance was evaluated by countermovement jump (CMJ). Participants were divided into 3 groups according to their flexibility and prejump performances after warm-up. For each individual group and the whole group, after all treatments, differences in CMJ values were obtained (p ≤ 0.05). Ballistic stretching increased the VJ performance in the groups with low and average flexibility, poor prejumping performance, and also in the whole group (p ≤ 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching + BS affected VJ performance in the group of participants with high flexibility (p ≤ 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation + SS decreased VJ performance in groups of participants with high flexibility, moderate, and high prejumping performance and in whole group (p ≤ 0.05). Ballistic stretching method increased VJ height, therefore seems to be more suitable than PNF + SS and PNF + BS before events that rely on explosive power as a part of warm-up period.