Benedict Tan

Comparing Effects of Low- and High-Volume Moderate-Intensity Exercise on Sexual Function and Testosterone in Obese Men

INTRODUCTION Obesity and inactivity are associated with erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism. AIM To compare the effects of low volume (LV) and high volume (HV) of moderate-intensity exercise on sexual function, testosterone, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), endothelial function, and quality of life (QoL) in obese men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Weight, waist circumference (WC), body composition, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS) (for LUTS), and 36-item Short Form Survey version 2 Instrument (SF-36) (for QoL) scores, plasma testosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin, glucose, insulin and lipids, and endothelial function (by Reactive Hyperaemia Index [RHI] using finger plethysmography) were measured at baseline and 24 weeks. METHODS Ninety abdominally obese (body mass index > 27.5 kg/m(2), WC > 90 cm), sedentary (exercise ≈ 80 minutes/week) Asian men (mean age 43.6 years, range 30-60) were prescribed a diet to reduce daily intake by ≈ 400 kcal below calculated requirement and randomized to perform moderate-intensity exercise of LV (<150 minutes/week) or HV (200-300 minutes/week) (n = 45 each) for 24 weeks. Seventy-five men (83.3%) completed the study. RESULTS Weekly exercise volume was significantly greater in the HV (236 ± 9 minutes) than the LV (105 ± 9 minutes) group. The HV group had significantly greater increases in IIEF-5 score (2.6 ± 0.5 points) and testosterone (2.06 ± 0.46 nmol/L) and reductions in weight (-5.9 ± 0.7 kg, -6.2%), WC (-4.9 ± 0.8 cm, -4.9%), and fat mass (-4.7 ± 1.0 kg, -14.5%) than the LV group (-2.9 ± 0.7 kg, -3.0%; -2.7 ± 0.7 cm, -2.5%; -1.1 ± 0.8 kg, -3.2%; 0.79 ± 0.46 nmol/L; and 1.8 ± 0.5 points). Improvements in IPSS and SF-36 scores, and RHI, were similar. CONCLUSIONS Moderate-intensity HV aerobic exercise > 200 minutes/week produces greater improvements in sexual function, testosterone, weight, WC, and fat mass than smaller exercise volume.

Comparison of autologous conditioned plasma injection, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and conventional treatment for plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) compared with extracorporeal shockwave (ESWT) and conventional treatments for plantar fasciitis.

Correlations between physiological parameters and performance in elite ten-pin bowlers

The increasing acceptance of ten-pin bowling as a sport, as well as the keen competition amongst bowlers, necessitates the identification of performance indicators to aid training. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine if age, height, weight, aerobic power index, bowling grip strength, 10-RM leg press performance, and the sit-and-reach distance correlated with bowling performance in 42 elite bowlers (26 males and 16 females). At the same time, the physiological profiles of bowlers classified as heavy ball strokers, heavy ball crankers, and light ball spinners were compared. The results showed that for the male bowlers, none of the parameters correlated with performance, while for the female bowlers, the only parameter that correlated with performance was the aerobic power index. Bowlers using the three different releases had similar anthropometric and physiological profiles. The implications from this study are that bowlers of diverse age and build can be equally competitive in the sport; that aerobic capacity (as reflected by the aerobic power index) may, to a certain extent, contribute to bowling performance; and that strength and flexibility measures do not seem to be useful performance indicators amongst elite bowlers.

Body mass changes and nutrient intake of Optimist class sailors on a race day

Abstract Young sailors tend to compete under a similar racing format to that of adults, spending extended hours exposed to the elements. This descriptive study measured the body mass changes in 65 male Optimist dinghy sailors (mean age 11.6 years, s = 1.4; body mass 37.2 kg, s = 8.2) and describes their fluid and carbohydrate intake during a typical race day. The sailors were weighed before launching and upon return to shore, and were interviewed to assess their fluid and carbohydrate intakes. After spending 6 h afloat, the participants displayed a mean weight loss of 0.5 kg (s = 0.6), indicating dehydration of 1.3% (s = 1.2, range −0.9 to 6.2%) assuming euhydration before they went afloat. Water loss amounted to 1.3 litres (s = 0.8) or 0.2 litres · h−1 (s = 0.1). Thirty-nine boys (60%) incurred <1% dehydration, 13 (20%) incurred 1 – 2% dehydration, and 13 (20%) incurred >2% dehydration. While afloat, the participants drank 816 ml (s = 621) of fluid, replacing only 61% of their water loss: 3% drank nothing, 78% drank plain water, and 15% drank sports drinks. Pre-race carbohydrate consumption was 1.7 g · kg−1 (s = 1.4, range 0.0 – 7.6 g · kg−1), with consumption when afloat of 7.1 g · h−1 (s = 6.9). In view of the hypohydration demonstrated, it is recommended that specific strategies be developed to improve the dietary practices of young sailors.

Body mass changes and nutrient intake of dinghy sailors while racing.

Abstract Dinghy sailing is a physically challenging sport with competitors on water for several hours. Regulations and space in the boat limit the amount of food and fluid competitors can carry. Consequently, it is possible that the hydration and nutritional status of dinghy sailors may be compromised while racing. Despite this, the food and fluid intake of sailors while racing are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of a group of club sailors while racing and compare this with current sports nutrition guidelines. Thirty-five sailors (9 females, 26 males) were monitored during a club regatta. Body mass changes were measured before and after racing, as were food and fluid intake. Results showed that most participants were in negative fluid balance after racing (males: mean −2.1%[95% confidence limits −1.7 to −2.5%]; females: −0.9%[0 to −1.8%]), most likely due to low voluntary fluid intake (males: 1215 ml [734 to 1695 ml]; females: 792 ml [468 to 1117 m]). Carbohydrate intake (males: 59 g [21 to 97 g]; females: 30 g [0 to 61 g]) was below recommendations for normal sports activity. Results revealed that the nutritional practices of club sailors do not comply with current sports nutrition guidelines. However, the performance implications of a compromise in nutrient intake remain to be investigated. Practical advice on methods of overcoming space limitations for the carriage of adequate fluid and food is offered.

Injury and illness surveillance at the International Sailing Federation Sailing World Championships 2014

Background/aim The Sailing World Championships 2014 was contested by 1167 sailors in all 10 Olympic classes. Our objective was to characterise sailing-related injuries and illnesses in sailors participating in this regatta. Methods We conducted 2 surveys: (1) prior to the World Championships, sailors answered a 12-month recall questionnaire on sailing-related injuries and illnesses and (2) during the Championships, injuries and illnesses were documented. Results There were 760 respondents (65% of all participants) for the 12-month recall questionnaire (58% male, 42% female), of whom 244 participants reported 299 injuries (0.59 injuries per 1000 h of sailing). Injuries were most prevalent in the 49erFX (64%), RS:X Women (39%), 49er (37%) and Nacra 17 (36%). Lower back (29% of sailors), knee (13%), shoulder (12%) and ankle (10%) injuries were most prevalent; most (58% of all injuries) were overuse injuries; and 56% of sailors lost sailing time. Most illnesses (40%) were infections, primarily of the respiratory system (43%). During the Championships, there were 67 injuries (4 per 1000 days of sailing). The 49er (24% of all injuries), 470 Men and Women (24%), and 49erFX (19%) had the highest incidence. Injuries to the hand/fingers (22% of all injuries), back (18%), and foot (12%) were most common, as were contusions (37% of all injuries), cuts/lacerations (24%), and sprains (9%). Of the 29 illnesses (2 per 1000 days of sailing), 9 (31%) were gastrointestinal and 6 (21%) respiratory, while 2 (7%) were gout attacks. Conclusions The Olympic classes introduced since 2000 (49erFX, 49er, Nacra 17) have resulted in a rise in injuries.

INJURY AND ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE DURING THE 43RD ISAF YOUTH SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 IN LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Background Prior studies have indicated that the competitive youth sailor is at risk for sailing-related injuries. Data collected during a large-scale elite youth sailing event is the first step toward developing effective injury/illness prevention strategies in this population. Objective To describe the incidence, pattern, and severity of sailing-related injuries and illnesses among competitive youth sailors during the 43rd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship. Design Prospective descriptive study using the International Olympic Committee injury surveillance system reporting forms. Team officials and medical centre doctors submitted daily surveillance reports. Setting 43rd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, 13 to 20 July 2013, Limassol, Cyprus. Participants All participating sailors in the ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship. Risk factor assessment The following risk factors were studied: training load, participation in other sports, use of sunscreen/lifejacket, alcohol and drug consumption. Main Outcome Measurements The occurrence or non-occurrence of sailing-related injuries and illnesses; the number of injuries; the site, type, cause/mechanism of injury; and contributing factors to injuries. Results 11 (3%) sailors out of 351 sailors reported 11 injuries. The rate of injury was 3.9 injuries per 1000 athlete-days. The most commonly injured site was the foot/toe (36%). The top three types were laceration/abrasion (27%), toe nail injury (27%), and contusion/haematoma/bruise (18%). Most injuries were the result of contact with a stagnant object or an acute event. Treatment was sought in 55%, and 1 sailor withdrew from the competition as a result. Of the 4 illnesses, vomiting/diarrhea was the most common symptom (40%) and the gastrointestional system was most commonly affected (75%). Conclusions During a high-level sailing competition, 3% of youth sailors reported injuries and 1% reported illness. The injuries were mainly acute events occurring during racing, while illness was mainly of the gastrointestinal system. This data provides us with the basis for future studies and analysis of injury mechanisms and risk factors in elite sailing.