Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity with Cognition in Middle- Aged Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline highlights the importance of physical activity for cognitive health. Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental health and reduced risk of cognitive decline. This study investigated the connection between self-reported physical activity and cognitive function in middle-aged adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 56 Indian adults aged 30-55, selected based on a health screening questionnaire. Participants reported their physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which categorized them into low, moderate, and high activity levels. Cognitive functions, including visual memory, executive function, and attention, were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testing Battery (CANTAB). Results were statistically analyzed for relationships between cognitive domains and physical activity parameters using Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The study showed a significant positive correlation of attention with moderate and vigorous physical activity, while sedentary behavior negatively impacted attention. Linear regression showed that attention is affected by moderate-intensity activity whereas executive function and visual memory are affected by age. CONCLUSION: This study supports the view that moderate and vigorous intensity activities may positively affect attention in middle-aged adults highlighting the benefits of physical activity.

Surface electromyography analysis of core stabilizing muscles during isometric shoulder contractions in athletes with low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The study was carried out in the athletes with and without Low Back Pain (LBP) to determine the surface electromyography activity of core stabilizing muscles while performing isometric shoulder and trunk contractions. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study enlisted the participation of 40 athletes. Group A included 20 athletes (18 males and 2 females) without LBP, and Group B included 20 athletes (12 males and 8 females) with LBP. Athletes with LBP were assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to determine their level of disability and pain severity, respectively. EMG activity of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, longissimus, and multifidus was recorded in both groups as they performed bilateral isometric shoulder and trunk contractions. RESULTS: In the LBP group, EMG activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The LBP group had significantly more multifidus activity (P = 0.03) than the NLBP group. Among all the exercises, bilateral isometric shoulder extension contraction activated the rectus abdominis, right external oblique, and longissimus group of muscles significantly more (P < 0.05) in both groups. In both groups, bilateral isometric shoulder flexion contraction resulted in significantly higher multifidus muscle activation (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The activation of core stabilizing muscles was altered in athletes with LBP. When athletes are unable to contract and activate trunk muscles owing to pain, upper extremity exercises can be used to activate these muscles.

Recovery of two elite footballers from adductor strain with dry needling and eccentric strengthening: Two case studies.

INTRODUCTION: Groin injuries are common in sports, almost 68% adductor strain among them, which generally more prone in football, soccer, hockey, and other games. The available literature well describes the rehabilitation phase of adductor strain but an application of dry needling on adductor injuries are not yet established. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two national-level younger football players were clinically diagnosed with the adductor strain. They had severe pain on medial aspect of the thigh, aggravated with kicking and functional activity (VAS- 8/10, LEFS 58/80, 69/80). The therapist assessed the patients and designed their rehabilitation protocol as per their findings of the examination. OUTCOME: The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), global rating scale, and VAS were used as outcome variables. The total intervention was given for 10-12 weeks, follow up had been taken for 4 months. DISCUSSION: The application of dry needling reduced the pain, improved and relieved the symptoms. The eccentric strengthening of the adductors and core stability improved the strength as well as functional activity of the lower limb. The case study is not generalized the effect of treatment. Thus, a randomized control trial is suggested for further study.

Executive function performance in middle-aged adults.

Executive functions have been widely studied in the extreme of ages, but studies in middle-aged adults remain largely neglected. Education and gender are known to influence cognitive performance; however, their effect on executive function in middle-aged adults remains unclear. Objective: The study aimed to observe the effect of hierarchy of educational qualifications (graduate, postgraduate, and PhD) and gender on various executive function tests across middle-aged adults with or without comorbidity. Methods: A total of 66 middle-aged individuals volunteered for the study (mean age=48.45±5.45 years; 20 graduates, 28 postgraduates, and 18 PhD; 36 males and 30 females; 38 healthy adults and 28 adults with comorbidities). Each subject performed a test assessing short-term memory, spatial working memory, and multitasking abilities on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery with rest periods in no specific order of tests. Key parameters of cognitive tests were analyzed for differences in educational qualifications (ANOVA), gender (t-test), and the effect of comorbidity as a covariate (ANCOVA). Results: PhDs performed significantly better (p<0.05) in multitasking than graduates and had superior visuospatial working memory (fewer errors). Differences in simultaneous matching abilities, lower incongruence cost and multitasking cost were statistically significant in healthy females than in males. Conclusion: On considering adults with comorbidity, those with higher educational attainment retained the ability to multitask compared to their healthy counterparts, which was not seen in the group with lower educational attainment. Thus, higher educational attainment attenuated the influence of comorbidities and deterioration of executive functions in general in middle-aged adults.

As funções executivas têm sido amplamente estudadas no extremo das idades, mas os estudos na meia-idade permanecem amplamente negligenciados. Educação e gênero são conhecidos por influenciar o desempenho cognitivo, no entanto, seu efeito na função executiva em adultos de meia-idade ainda não está claro. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo observar o efeito da hierarquia de qualificações educacionais (graduação, pós-graduação e doutorado) e gênero em vários testes de função executiva em adultos de meia-idade com ou sem comorbidade. Métodos: Sessenta e seis indivíduos de meia idade se voluntariaram para participar do estudo (idade média=48,45±5,45 anos, 20 graduados, 28 pós-graduados e 18 doutores; 36 homens e 30 mulheres; 38 saudáveis e 28 adultos com comorbidades). Cada sujeito realizou um teste avaliando memória de curto prazo, memória de trabalho espacial e habilidades multitarefa na Bateria Automatizada de Testes Neuropsicológicos de Cambridge (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery ­ CANTAB) com períodos de descanso em nenhuma ordem específica de testes. Os principais parâmetros dos testes cognitivos foram analisados quanto às diferenças nas qualificações educacionais (ANOVA), sexo (teste t) e efeito da comorbidade como uma covariável (ANCOVA). Resultados: Os doutores tiveram desempenho significativamente melhor (p<0,05) em multitarefa do que os graduados e tiveram memória de trabalho visual-espacial superior (menos erros). As diferenças nas habilidades de correspondência simultânea, menor custo de incongruência e custo de multitarefa foram estatisticamente significativas em mulheres saudáveis do que em homens. Conclusão: Ao considerar os adultos com comorbidade, aqueles com maior escolaridade mantiveram a capacidade de multitarefa como seus pares saudáveis, o que não foi observado no grupo com menor escolaridade. Assim, maior escolaridade atenuou a influência de comorbidades e deterioração das funções executivas em geral, em adultos de meia-idade.

Role of Education and Physical Activity in Executive Function Performance of Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Executive function performance has been extensively studied in extreme age groups, but the middle age population, where a decline could begin, is still under investigation. The role of factors like education and physical activity that might influence cognitive performance is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to examine the influence of age, education, and physical activity on executive function performance and the interaction effects between these factors on two subpopulations of adults, i.e., young adults and middle-aged adults. METHODS: 92 adults, 46 young adults (N = 24.4 ± 2.7 years, 25 postgraduates and 21 PhDs) and 46 middle-aged adults (N = 48.08 ± 5.79 years, 28 postgraduates and 18 PhDs), were included. Each subject performed Delayed Matching of Sample (DMS), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), and Multitasking (MTT) test on CANTAB. Physical activity levels were reported through IPAQ. RESULTS: Results indicated age to have a major influence on DMS, SWM, and MTT performance; however, education was only found to influence SWM. MTT and SWM performance was found to be lower in middle-aged adults in comparison to young adults. On comparison of test scores between highly active and moderately active groups of middle-aged adults, no differences were found; however, in young adults, MTT correct scores (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the highly active group in comparison to their counterparts. Interaction between age and level of education revealed better retrieval in middle-aged adults with higher education in comparison to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: In comparison to younger counterparts, executive function performance deteriorated around the middle ages. Education was found to play a protective role in executive abilities slowing during middle age. Also, physical activity may play some role in executive function performance.

Prefrontal cortex hemodynamic response to acute high intensity intermittent exercise during executive function processing.

We investigated prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic response, through functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during executive function (EF) processing in response to acute high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) in young adults. We also assessed the associated sex differences in the cognitive scores and related PFC hemodynamic functions in response to HIIE. 49 young healthy adult participants (32 women, 17 men) were randomly assigned to either control or HIIE intervention groups. HIIE group participants performed 4 × 4 minutes of HIIE on cycle ergometer with 3 minutes of active recovery between the bouts; control group relaxed for the time equivalent to intervention. fNIRS data was collected during the performance of the EF tests including Color Word Stroop Test (CWST) and Trail Making Test (TMT) in pre and post sessions in both the groups. Results indicated a significant change in the hemodynamic response in the form of increased oxygenated and decreased deoxygenated hemoglobin in the PFC areas specific to the EF tasks, with improved CWST and TMT scores in response to HIIE intervention. PFC activation was different in men and women in response to HIIE, however similar scores of task performance were observed in men and women during the performance of executive functions in response to HIIE. The study concludes that an acute HIIE session improves executive function which is associated with an increase activation of PFC. Sex differences exist in the activation of PFC in response to HIIE during EF processing. Our study adds to the current evidence regarding exercise and cognition.

Executive function performance in middle-aged adults / Desempenho da função executiva em adultos de meia-idade

ABSTRACT. Executive functions have been widely studied in the extreme of ages, but studies in middle-aged adults remain largely neglected. Education and gender are known to influence cognitive performance; however, their effect on executive function in middle-aged adults remains unclear. Objective: The study aimed to observe the effect of hierarchy of educational qualifications (graduate, postgraduate, and PhD) and gender on various executive function tests across middle-aged adults with or without comorbidity. Methods: A total of 66 middle-aged individuals volunteered for the study (mean age=48.45±5.45 years; 20 graduates, 28 postgraduates, and 18 PhD; 36 males and 30 females; 38 healthy adults and 28 adults with comorbidities). Each subject performed a test assessing short-term memory, spatial working memory, and multitasking abilities on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery with rest periods in no specific order of tests. Key parameters of cognitive tests were analyzed for differences in educational qualifications (ANOVA), gender (t-test), and the effect of comorbidity as a covariate (ANCOVA). Results: PhDs performed significantly better (p<0.05) in multitasking than graduates and had superior visuospatial working memory (fewer errors). Differences in simultaneous matching abilities, lower incongruence cost and multitasking cost were statistically significant in healthy females than in males. Conclusion: On considering adults with comorbidity, those with higher educational attainment retained the ability to multitask compared to their healthy counterparts, which was not seen in the group with lower educational attainment. Thus, higher educational attainment attenuated the influence of comorbidities and deterioration of executive functions in general in middle-aged adults.

RESUMO. As funções executivas têm sido amplamente estudadas no extremo das idades, mas os estudos na meia-idade permanecem amplamente negligenciados. Educação e gênero são conhecidos por influenciar o desempenho cognitivo, no entanto, seu efeito na função executiva em adultos de meia-idade ainda não está claro. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo observar o efeito da hierarquia de qualificações educacionais (graduação, pós-graduação e doutorado) e gênero em vários testes de função executiva em adultos de meia-idade com ou sem comorbidade. Métodos: Sessenta e seis indivíduos de meia idade se voluntariaram para participar do estudo (idade média=48,45±5,45 anos, 20 graduados, 28 pós-graduados e 18 doutores; 36 homens e 30 mulheres; 38 saudáveis e 28 adultos com comorbidades). Cada sujeito realizou um teste avaliando memória de curto prazo, memória de trabalho espacial e habilidades multitarefa na Bateria Automatizada de Testes Neuropsicológicos de Cambridge (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery — CANTAB) com períodos de descanso em nenhuma ordem específica de testes. Os principais parâmetros dos testes cognitivos foram analisados quanto às diferenças nas qualificações educacionais (ANOVA), sexo (teste t) e efeito da comorbidade como uma covariável (ANCOVA). Resultados: Os doutores tiveram desempenho significativamente melhor (p<0,05) em multitarefa do que os graduados e tiveram memória de trabalho visual-espacial superior (menos erros). As diferenças nas habilidades de correspondência simultânea, menor custo de incongruência e custo de multitarefa foram estatisticamente significativas em mulheres saudáveis do que em homens. Conclusão: Ao considerar os adultos com comorbidade, aqueles com maior escolaridade mantiveram a capacidade de multitarefa como seus pares saudáveis, o que não foi observado no grupo com menor escolaridade. Assim, maior escolaridade atenuou a influência de comorbidades e deterioração das funções executivas em geral, em adultos de meia-idade.

Young and Middle-aged Adults Differ in Neural Correlate of Sustained Attention: A fNIRS Study.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the activation of prefrontal cortex during sustained attention task in young and middle aged adults using Functional near infrared spectroscopy system. BACKGROUND: Sustained Attention (SA) is a construct of cognition that tends to decline with age. There is a paucity of literature regarding the neural correlates of SA in middle age, a link between young and old age. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the differences in SA ability and its neural correlates using fNIRS between young and middle aged adults. METHODS: 38 young and 25 middle aged adults were evaluated for the changes in neural correlates (oxy and deoxy haemoglobin concentration in prefrontal cortex) during a SA task known as cognitrone. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that young adults performed significantly better than middle aged adults on the SA task with no gender difference in their performance. There was a significant difference in the prefrontal activation pattern between young and middle aged adults. We found right prefrontal dominance in young adults and left prefrontal dominance in middle aged adults. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the ability to maintain SA diminishes with age, advancing from young to middle age. Hemodynamic findings confirmed significant differences in neural resources in the prefrontal cortical areas between young and middle age.

Exercise training and cardiac autonomic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It has been found to independently predict all cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. It remains unclear whether exercise training could improve autonomic control in T2DM patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of exercise training on cardiac autonomic function in T2DM patients. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PEDro, Scopus and Web of science) were systematically searched to retrieve relevant evidence. Clinical trials administering exercise training for at least 4 weeks and examining either heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate recovery (HRR) as outcome measures were eligible. Eighteen articles were found to be relevant and were then assessed for characteristics and quality. Fifteen studies out of 18 found that exercise training leads to positive improvements in autonomic function of T2DM patients. Exercise participation enhances cardiac autonomic function of type 2 diabetics and therefore should be implemented in their management programs.

Relation of pedometer steps count & self reported physical activity with health indices in middle aged adults.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between daily physical activity (steps/day and self report method) and health indices. Also to observe relationship between daily physical activity and existence of any prior sign of metabolic syndrome in middle aged adults of 40-60 years. A secondary objective was to observe relation between objective (steps/day) and subjective (IPAQ) measure of physical activity. METHOD: 145 subjects were recruited from residential colony of New Delhi, India and their health indices (waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, blood pressure, resting heart rate), and presence of any sign of metabolic syndrome were noted down. Their daily physical activity was determined by pedometer (steps/day) and IPAQ (self report). Steps/day was compared with self reported physical activity, presence of any prior sign of metabolic syndrome, and health indices. RESULT: The average steps/day was 3226±1558 for females (n=76) and 4273±2530 for males (n=69). IPAQ results were inversely related with WHR (p=0.046, r=-0.166), RHR (p=0.020, r=-0.193) and signs of metabolic syndrome (p=0.017, r=-0.198). Pedometer determined physical activity was inversely related with prior signs of metabolic syndrome present (p=0.041, r=-0.170). Pedometer determined steps/day were positively correlated with self-reported physical activity (p<0.001, r=0.56). CONCLUSION: Main findings suggested that fewer steps/day and METS are associated with more components of the metabolic syndrome. Prior signs of metabolic syndrome were mainly present in females. Majority of participants were sedentary, showed high resting heart rate, high waist hip ratio and more number of sign of metabolic syndrome.

Prevalence of low bone health using quantitative ultrasound in Indian women aged 41-60 years: Its association with nutrition and other related risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of low bone health conditions and assess associated nutritional and other risk factors in Indian women aged 41-60 years. A total of 1,911 women participated in this cross-sectional study. Bone health was assessed using an Omnisense multisite quantitative ultrasound bone densitometer on two sites (radius and tibia). Crude prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was found to be 30.09% and 19.89%, respectively. The Indian women were deficient in a majority of nutrients. Postmenopause, hysterectomy, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, hypertension, low physical activity, low sun exposure, high stress levels, and low calcium levels were found to be independent risk factors of low bone health.

Four Weeks of Supplementation With Isolated Soy Protein Attenuates Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Enhances Muscle Recovery in Well Trained Athletes: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of consumption of isolated soy protein (ISP) for a chronic period (4 weeks) on exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) in athletic population have never been explored. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of ISP on muscle damage indices elicited via a bout of damaging exercise. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty males (20 boxers, 20 cyclists) aged 18 - 28 years were randomly assigned to two groups (ISP and Placebo) (n = 20). All participants who engaged themselves in specific, regular training of 30 hours a week during the competitive season were included in the study. Participants consumed the supplement and the placebo for 4 weeks. The damaging exercise consisted of 100 consecutive drop-jumps. Pre and post supplementation readings of the criterion variables, highly sensitive C reactive protein (hs-cRP), creatine Kinase (CK), myeloperoxidase (MPO), isometric muscle strength, maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max), heart rate (HR) and muscle soreness were obtained at baseline (Day 1), at 24 hours (Day 2) and at 48 hours (Day 3) following EIMD. RESULTS: Differences were observed in pre and post supplementation values (P < 0.05) indicating the effectiveness of soy protein in attenuating muscle damage and enhancing muscle recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that soy protein; a vegetable based supplement is effective, in ameliorating the negative effects of EIMD in trained athletic population.

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Urban Sikh Population of Amritsar.

CONTEXT: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) refers to a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of Hyperglycemia. More than 60% of the world's population with diabetes comes from Asia. AIM: To study the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Sikh individuals living in the urban localities of Amritsar. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was designed in the Faculty of Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The data collection was carried out in various urban localities of Amritsar. Blood samples were analyzed in the Biochemistry laboratory, whereas data analysis and article preparation was carried out in the Faculty of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-stage random sampling was done with a sample size of 1089 patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data was analyzed in Stata 11.2 software. Various tests used in the study are Mean ± SD, Pearson Chi Square Test, Students' t test and multiple logistic regression test. RESULTS: Our study showed that the prevalence rate of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is 23.2% with the confidence interval of 20.7-25.7. Proportionately more patients with T2DM had hypertension (46.6%). Likewise proportionately more patients, 67.5% had hypertrigylerdemia, 67.6% had low HDL levels, 59.2 % had hypercholesterolemia and 73.1% suffered from metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study clearly indicates that the young Sikh adults below 40 years of age have similar high BMI, WC and WHR to that of the older adults above 40 years of age. It is necessary to adopt appropriate preventive strategies and interventions in high-risk individuals to curb the growing epidemic of diabetes. Innovative community outreach programs need to be designed and implemented to create awareness and early screening and treatment of diabetes, especially in the urban population.

Effect of progressive pedometer based walking intervention on quality of life and general well being among patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effectiveness of two goal setting pedometer based walking program for people with type 2 diabetes, one employing supervised exercise group with pedometer and the other employing self reported group with pedometer. METHODS: A total of 102 type 2 diabetic outpatients (28 women, 74 men) between the age of 40-70 years were recruited and randomly allocated into 3 groups: supervised exercise group with pedometer (Group A), self reported exercise group with pedometer (Group B) and a control group (Group C) for 16 weeks. Subjects were asked to respond to the Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL) and well being questionnaire at two occasions i.e. 0 week and after 16 weeks of intervention. Paired t test were used within the groups to compare Mean ± SD for all the parameters at baseline and at the end of 16 weeks. Differences between the groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical difference was further analyzed by Post hoc analysis using Bonferroni method. RESULTS: The item "Freedom to eat" had the highest negative impact among all the subgroups. Other domains that were adversely affected by diabetes are 'leisure activity', 'do physically', 'physical appearance', 'self confidence', 'future' and 'financial situation'. In the group A significant reduction were noted among all the items except long distance journey (p<0.05). In the group B participants experienced reduction among all the domains except long distance journey, sex life and living condition. CONCLUSION: Pedometer determined activity has the potential to improve the quality of life. Supervised Walking using a pedometer was found more effective in improving quality of life and general wellbeing for Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY INDIA CTRI: [CTRI/2012/10/003034].

Effect of soy isolate protein and resistance exercises on muscle performance and bone health of osteopenic/osteoporotic post-menopausal women.

There are contradictory reports regarding the effect of soy protein isolate on bone health in menopause. The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of soy isolate protein intake and resistance exercises on isokinetic muscle strength, endurance, power, and bone health parameters in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Sixty osteoporotic sedentary women (mean age 54.55 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: soy isolate protein (Group A), soy + exercise group (Group B), and control group (Group C). Group B performed supervised progressive resistance exercises 4 times/week for 12 weeks. Muscle performance was measured by isokinetic dynamometry, and bone health was measured by ultrasound densitometry. Analysis of variance showed significant bone and muscle strength gains (p < .05) both in Group A and B, with the improvements more pronounced in Group B. Significant muscle performance changes, after intervention, were evident and bone strength increases may parallel changes in muscle strength.

Effect of Exercise Program and Calcium Supplements on Low Bone Mass among Young Indian Women- A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: Low bone mass is a major health concern among young women nowadays due to sedentary lifestyle and lack of calcium rich food intake. Therefore there is an increase in the incidence of LBM among young university women so our main purpose of study was to compare effects of exercise program and calcium supplements on bone mass in young women. METHODS: This single blinded, cross sectional study included data collection in the form of SOS T-scores at distal radius for 104 young university women of mean age 22.3 years using Sunlight Omnisense Bone Sonometer 7000S. Of these, 62 women with low bone mass were included in a 3 month study but 60 subjects completed the study. They were randomly divided into 3 groups: exercise group (n=21), calcium supplementation group (n=21) and control group (n=20). All participants were evaluated pre and post protocol for T-score distal radius and midshaft tibia. RESULTS: After measuring SOS T-score of 104 subjects; we found that 60.57% had low bone mass and remaining 39.43% had normal bone mass. After 3 months, the exercise group showed significant improvement in distal radius SOS T-score (t=5.10, P<0.001), at midshaft tibia (t=3.71, P<0.001) followed by improvement in calcium group at distal radius (t=6.28, P<0.001), midshaft tibia (t=2.33, P<0.05) as compared to control group which showed a marginal increase. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise group showed more improvement in T-scores than calcium and control group. Exercise is important modifiable factor to improve bone accretion at this age and reduce risk of developing osteoporosis related debilitating conditions later in life.

Concurrent validity of the non-exercise based VO2max prediction equation using percentage body fat as a variable in asian Indian adults.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is highly dependent upon body composition of an individual and body composition varies with ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to check the concurrent validity of the non-exercise prediction equation developed by Jackson and colleagues (1990) using percentage body fat as a variable in Asian Indian adults. METHODS: One hundred twenty college-aged participants (60 male, 60 female, mean age 22.02 ± 2.29 yrs) successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a motorized treadmill to assess VO2max. VO2max was then estimated by the non-exercise prediction equation developed by Jackson and colleagues (1990) using percentage body fat. Percentage body fat was calculated by three different models (Sandhu et al's fat mass equation, Durnin-womersley's 4 site percentage body fat and Jackson & Pollock's 4 site percentage body fat) and was used in the above equation. The results of VO2max obtained using "gold standard" treadmill methods were then compared with the three results of VO2max obtained by Jackson et al's equation (using three different models to calculate percentage body fat) and it was determined which equation is best suited to determine percentage body fat and in turn VO2 max for Indian population. RESULTS: Jackson et al's prediction equation overpredicts VO2max in Asian Indian subjects who have a lower VO2max (33.41 ± 14.39 ml/kg/min) than those reported in other age matched populations. percentage body fats calculated by the three equations were significantly different and the correlation coefficient (r) between VO2max calculated by Jackson and colleagues (1990) using Sandhu et al's equation for percentage body fat with VO2 max calculated using treadmill (gold standard) (r = .817) was found slightly more significantly correlated than the other two equations and was not statistically different from the measured value. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves that VO2max equation using Sandhu et al's model for percentage body fat yields more accurate results than other studied equations in healthy college-aged participants in India.

Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists.

BACKGROUND: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic aids.s PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules. OUTCOME MEASURES: The baseline treadmill test for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2) max), metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO(2) max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813; P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. CONCLUSION: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.

Cardiovascular risk factors in middle age obese Indians: a cross-sectional study on association of per cent body fat and intra-abdominal fat mass.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association of per cent total body fat (TBF), intra-abdominal fat (IAF) mass and subcutaneous abdominal fat with cardiovascular risk factors in middle age obese Indians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hydrostatic Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, India. PARTICIPANTS: 51 subjects aged 30-55 years with a body mass index value 23 and above. METHODOLOGY: In all the participants, TBF was estimated by underwater weighing machine and IAF and subcutaneous fat were measured by ultrasonography. Lipid profile was determined by a semiautomated analyser. Main outcome measures were: IAF, per cent body fat to TBF ratio, lipid profile and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: IAF was found to be significantly associated with lipid variables (95% CI, p<0.01) and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (95% CI, p≤0.05) in both male and female subjects. TBF and subcutaneous fat thickness showed no significant results (95% CI, p>0.05) with either lipid variables or risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (tables 1 and 2). IAF mass showed significant association with age (95% CI, p<0.01) and significant negative association with physical activity (95% CI, p<0.05) in male subjects (tables 3 and 4). CONCLUSION: An ultrasonic measurement of IAF is a better predictor of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in middle aged Indian population. In male subjects, physical activity of 5 or more days a week showed lesser amount of IAF as compared with those with physical activity <5 days a week.

Relationship of maximal aerobic capacity with predictors of cardiovascular diseases in North Indian cardiac patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), as determined by the Bruce protocol, and selected risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an North Indian population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SETTING: The study was carried out at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, Punjab, India. PATIENTS: 105 CVD patients. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were subjected to a symptom-limited treadmill test and their fasting blood lipid parameters were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (a) Body composition; (b) blood lipid parameters; (c) haemodynamic measurement (heart rate at rest and during exercise); (d) physical activity questionnaire (perceived functional ability, physical activity score and physical activity readiness). RESULTS: VO2max was found to be negatively associated with age (r=0.192), body mass index (r=0.163), waist circumference (r=0.197), hip circumference (r=0.208) and percentage of body fat (r=0.238); positively correlated with perceived functional ability (r=0.580), physical activity readiness (r=0.534), physical activity score (r=0.784), maximum heart rate (r=0.236) and metabolic equivalents (r=0.938); and showed no association with total cholesterol (r=0.102), triglycerides (r=0.079) and high-density lipoproteins (r=0.153). CONCLUSION: VO2max was associated with body composition parameters but did not show any relation with blood lipid parameters. The most significant association was found between VO2max and the physical activity questionnaire.