Physical Training

These experiments tested the hypothesis that short-term endurance exercise training would rapidly improve (within 5 days) the diaphragm oxidative/antioxidant capacity and protect the diaphragm against contraction-induced oxidative stress. To test this postulate, male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) ran on a motorized treadmill for 5 consecutive days (40-60 min x day(-1)) at approximately 65% maximal oxygen uptake. Costal diaphragm strips were excised from both sedentary control (CON, n=14) and trained (TR, n=13) animals 24 h after the last exercise session, for measurement of in vitro contraction properties and selected biochemical parameters of oxidative/antioxidant capacity. Training did not alter diaphragm force-frequency characteristics over a full range of submaximal and maximal stimulation frequencies (P > 0.05). In contrast, training improved diaphragm resistance to fatigue as contraction forces were better-maintained by the diaphragms of the TR animals during a submaxim...

Although the favorable effects of physical exercise in neurorehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are well known, detailed pathologic and functional alterations exerted by previous physical exercise on post-traumatic cerebral inflammation have been limited. In the present study, it is showed that fluid percussion brain injury (FPI) induced motor function impairment, followed by increased plasma fluorescein extravasation and cerebral—inflammation characterized by interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) increase, and decreased IL-10. In addition, myeloperoxidase (MPO) increase and Na+,K+-ATPase activity inhibition after FPI suggest that the opening of blood–brain barrier (BBB) followed by neurtrophils infiltration and cerebral inflammation may contribute to the failure of selected targets leading to secondary damage. In fact, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed strong correlation of MPO activity increase with Na+,K+-ATPase activity inhibition in sedentary rats. Statistical analysis also revealed that previous running exercise (4 weeks) protected against FPI-induced motor function impairment and fluorescein extravasation. Previous physical training also induced IL-10 increase per se and protected against cerebral IL-1β, and TNF-α increase and IL-10 decrease induced by FPI. This protocol of physical training was effective against MPO activity increase and Na+,K+-ATPase activity inhibition after FPI. The present protection correlated with MPO activity decrease suggests that the alteration of cerebral inflammatory status profile elicited by previous physical training reduces initial damage and limits long-term secondary degeneration after TBI. This prophylactic effect may facilitate functional recovery in patients suffering from brain injury induced by TBI.

Too intensive training may lead to overreaching or overtraining. To study whether quantitative needle electromyography (QEMG) is more sensitive to detect training (mal)adaptation than muscle enzyme activities, 12 standardbred geldings trained for 32 wk in age-, breed-, and sex-matched fixed pairs. After a habituation and normal training (NT) phase ( phases 1 and 2, 4 and 18 wk, respectively), with increasing intensity and duration and frequency of training sessions, an intensified training (IT) group ( phase 3, 6 wk) and a control group (which continued training as in the last week of phase 2) were formed. Thereafter, all horses entered a reduced training phase ( phase 4, 4 wk). One hour before a standardized exercise test (SET; treadmill), QEMG analysis and biochemical enzyme activity were performed in muscle or in biopsies from vastus lateralis and pectoralis descendens muscle in order to identify causes of changes in exercise performance and eventual (mal)adaptation in skeletal m...

Viewpoints are a structural approach to both training and devising. Originating from the innovative, inventive and exploratory approach of Mary Overlie and the self-confessed scavenger approach of Anne Bogart, Viewpoints offers a practical philosophy of working. As a training approach it begins with a disciplined engagement of the body in space and time; yet it similarly generates spaces for both invention and innovation and for scavenging, appropriating and adapting. The tangible elements of Viewpoints provide a set of tasks on which the student can focus, thus freeing the imagination and spirit to improvise. Yet at the same time the systematic logic of Viewpoints supports young makers to begin to question their perception, invest in creative practice that demands action and exploration, and to deconstruct, re-organise and rebuild scores and sequences in the pursuit of theatre that is visceral and visual. Examining ways in which embodied engagement in training in tandem with the multiplicity of subject positions of observer/participant/creator/reflector/director/composer/actor are utilised and accessed the essay discusses undergraduate training in Viewpoints with particular interrogation of the demand on non-dancers in the embodied learning of a movement/structural system within the university context.

Aging is associated with noticeable impairments in brain serotonin transmission, which might contribute to increased vulnerability to developing depression in later life. Animal and human studies have shown that aerobic exercise can stimulate brain serotonin activity and trigger parallel elevations in tryptophan (TRP, the serotonin precursor) availability in blood plasma. However, the influence of chronic exercise on serotonergic activity in older adults is not yet known. Sixteen men aged 64 ± 3 years exercised for 1 h (67%-70% peak oxygen consumption) at baseline and following 16 weeks of aerobic training. The main outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), TRP, prolactin, lactate, and free fatty acids (FFA). Changes in plasma free-TRP/BCAA and prolactin served as surrogates for TRP availability and serotonin activity, respectively. Chronic exercise decreased body mass (P < 0.05) whilst it increased ventilatory threshold...

Background "Use it or lose it" is a well known saying which is applicable to boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Besides the direct effects of the muscular dystrophy, the increasing effort to perform activities, the fear of falling and the use of personal aids indirectly impair leg and arm functions as a result of disuse. Physical training could oppose this secondary physical deterioration. The No Use is Disuse (NUD) study is the first study in human subjects with DMD that will examine whether a low-intensity physical training is beneficial in terms of preservation of muscle endurance and functional abilities. The study consists of two training intervention studies: study 1 "Dynamic leg and arm training for ambulant and recently wheelchair-dependent boys with DMD and, study 2 "Functional training with arm support for boys with DMD who have been confined to a wheelchair for several years". This paper describes the hypotheses and methods of the NUD study. Methods Study 1 is an explorative randomized controlled trial with multiple baseline measurements. Thirty boys with a DNA-established diagnosis of DMD will be included. The intervention consists of a six-months physical training during which boys train their legs and arms with active and/or assisted cycling training equipment. The primary study outcomes are muscle endurance and functional abilities, assessed with a Six-Minute Bicycle Test and the Motor Function Measure. Study 2 has a within-group repeated measurements design and will include ten boys with DMD who have already been confined to a wheelchair for several years. The six-months physical training program consists of 1) a computer-assisted training and 2) a functional training with an arm support. The primary study outcome is functional abilities of the upper extremity, assessed with the Action Research Arm Test. Discussion The NUD study will fill part of the gap in the current knowledge about the possible effects of training in boys with DMD and will increase insight into what type of exercise should be recommended to boys with DMD. The study will finish at the end of 2010 and results are expected in 2011. Trial registration The Netherlands National Trial Register1631

The Muslim athlete, whether living in a Muslim majority country or in a non-Muslim country, face unique challenges to faithfully follow one of the pillars of their faith – Ramadan – while attempting to maintain their participation in sports training and competition. There are conflicting reports on the effects of Ramadan on fitness and physical performance in general and in football in particular. In general, the impact of a brief daytime fast has minor effects on health or factors of physical fitness. Add physical training and now a new set of barriers to both performance and the observance of Ramadan begin to interact. Practising athletes have worked out strategies to cope with the rigors of Ramadan; strategies that have both physical (training modifications, dietary habits, rest and recovery) and emotional (patience, emotional preparations) domains. Carefully blending strategies like these can help the football player be true to their faith and follow the tenants of Ramadan hopefully, with a minimum of impact on their physical performance. In this context, science can help coaches improve their training plans and educate players with respect to the challenges presented by Ramadan to all levels of sports participation.

Background: Expert athletes in archery can rapidly achieve postural stability compared to beginners and novice athletes. This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training program in reducing the postural sway among adolescent archers. Methods: Participants (n=12) of this study were aged between 13-18 years; were divided into two groups (i.e., experimental and control). The experimental group underwent a supplementary eight-week core stability training program apart from their regular training program. Data were collected at three-time points; pre, after four weeks and post-training. Postural sway was measured in the anteroposterior plane and medio-lateral plane – center of pressure (CoP). Results: Mixed factorial ANOVA yielded significant interactions over time in the performance of the push up; plank; archery performance and postural sway. Postural sway between the experimental and control group was significantly different on both planes at T2; (CoP range x-F(1,10) = 7.952, p <.05, d = 1.302; CoP range y-T2; F(1,10) = 7.887, p <.05). The results were replicated at T3; CoP range x-F(1,10)= 7.952, p <.05; CoP range y-F(1,10)= 11.105, p <.05). Conclusion: The experimental group showed a smaller range in postural sway on both axes; indicating a reduction in the postural sway. A significant relationship was also evident between CoP range x, CoP range y and the participants' performance in archery. It is recommended that a core stability training program is incorporated into an archery training program for adolescent archers.

Strength and conditioning periodisation is a critical element of
performance training. It involves a structured approach to gradually
increasing training intensity and reducing training volume over
time. This approach has traditionally been implemented using a
linear methodology, where intensity is raised in a predictable,
stepwise fashion. However, more recently, there has been a shift
towards using a nonlinear, undulating methodology. While both
approaches have strengths and weaknesses, the nonlinear
methodology can be more complex, requiring significant practical
experience for strength coaches. Therefore, this article proposes an
alternative, more straightforward approach to periodisation that
utilises functional screening scores to develop an initial anatomical
adaptation phase of linear periodisation. By focusing on creating an
initial phase of linear periodisation, coaches can ensure that they
have a solid foundation to build upon. Also, this approach allows
coaches to identify and address any functional limitations or
weaknesses in their athletes before progressing to more advanced
training phases.

This study is an analysis of the literature, a synthesis of the opinions of sport specialists on the physical training of students who practise top-level sport while studying in higher education institutions. In the view of many authors, the basis of sports training is physical training. At the same time, physical training is inextricably linked to increasing the general level of the body's functional capabilities, improving multilateral physical development and strengthening health. According to the sports training theory, physical training in powerlifting, as in other sports, is divided into general physical training (GPT) and special physical training (SPT). The present research reflects information related to the processes, percentage and ratio of using GPT and SPT in powerlifting but especially in higher education students who practise this type of sport. In addition, the paper examines effective ways of transferring the positive action of correctly selected and used exercises to the training process. It also provides an overview of the precautions related to the incorrect use or selection of auxiliary exercises. Based on the statement that special physical training aims to develop the physical skills of athletes so that they meet the specifics of the chosen sport, the article includes a series of classifications of exercises for SPT in powerlifting.