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ObjectivesTo assess how the early stages of National governments Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment strategies impacted upon the physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia DesignObservational, cross-sectional SettingOnline survey disseminated in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government mandated COVID-19 restrictions ParticipantsAdults (n = 8,425; 44.5 {+/-} 14.8 y), [≥] 18 y who were residing in the surveyed countries Main outcome measuresStages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 ResultsParticipants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre- and during the early COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those who had either a positive change- or no change in their exercise behaviour (p<0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p<0.001). Individuals who engaged in more physical activity reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Although there were no differences in physical activity between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). ConclusionThe COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon the physical activity habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage physical activity should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.
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Background: Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a regime of training on a vibration platform that provides oscillatory movement to the body. Vibration training may be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy to control diabetes and its complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of WBV on glycemic indices and peripheral blood flow in type II diabetic patients. Methods: A parallel group clinical trial was conducted with 1:1 allocation ratio at Khon Kaen University between February and May 2010. The study included diabetic patients receiving diet or oral medication control over the previous year and excluded patients with serious medical and musculoskeletal disorders. Forty type II diabetic patients [14 males, 26 females, 63.2 (7.7) y, mean (SD)] were randomised into two groups (WBV and control) by computer software using a block of four design. The WBV group was given two sets of six one-minute vibration squats, three times per week for twelve weeks. The control group maintained their normal physical activity levels. The primary outcome was the patients glycemic indices. Results: We found no significant difference in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar, insulin level and insulin sensitivity between WBV and control groups. Compared to the control group, WBV training resulted in a substantial reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure -7.1 mmHg (95% CI: -10.9, -3.3, P = 0.001) and peak systolic velocity -7.3 cm.sec-1 (95% CI: -14.7, -0.03, P = 0.049), but made little difference to resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end diastolic velocity, and popliteal artery diameter. Conclusion: Whole body vibration improved resting diastolic blood pressure and peak systolic velocity, however, any beneficial effect of WBV on glycemic indices remains unclear.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of Zingiber cassumunar (Plai cream) in either 7% or 14% concentration on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-five untrained healthy volunteers (28 males and 47 females), performed 4 sets of 25 eccentric repetitions of the dominant quadriceps muscle on an isokinetic dynamometry machine. Participants were then randomized into 3 groups: 14% Plai cream, 7% Plai cream and placebo cream. Two grams of the cream (strips of 5-cm long) were gently rubbed into the quadriceps muscles for 5 min immediately following the exercise and every 8 h thereafter for 7 d in all groups. Muscle soreness, muscle strength, jump height, thigh circumference and creatine kinase were measured before and after eccentric exercise.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the placebo cream the 14% Plai cream substantially reduced muscle soreness over the 7 d by -82% (95% CI = -155% to -6%, P = 0.03), but had similar muscle soreness effects to 7% Plai cream (-34%, -96% to 27%, P = 0.2). Compared to the placebo cream the 7% Plai cream resulted in a small non-significant reduction in muscle soreness levels over the following 7 d (-40%, -116% to 36%, P = 0.3). Compared to placebo cream there was little effect of Plai cream (7% or 14%) on muscle strength, jump height, thigh circumference or creatine kinase concentration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using 14% Plai cream over a 7-day period substantially reduced muscle soreness symptoms compared to 7% Plai cream or a placebo cream. The authors suggest that the administration of 14% Plai cream is a useful alternative in the management of DOMS.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20140215001.</p>
