Kosmas Christoulas

JOG-WALK TRAINING IN CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS OF ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME'

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aerobic training program on adults with Down syndrome. 25 male adults with Down syndrome (M age = 24.6 yr., IQs = 45–60) participated in a 12-wk. exercise training study. Subjects were assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 10). Pre- and posttraining treadmill tests were performed to determine the following peak physiological parameters: heart rate (HR peak), peak minute ventilation (VE peak), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak, absolute and relative), and time to exhaustion (min.). The experimental group underwent a 12-wk. interval training program. The control group received no structured exercise training during this period. Following the 12-wk. training program, significant improvements (p<.05) in peak physiological parameters were seen for the experimental group for VO2 peak (both relative and absolute), VE peak, and time to exhaustion. No significant improvements in peak physiologic parameters were seen in the control group Consistent with prior research using similar subjects, we concluded that adults with Down syndrome are able to improve their aerobic capacity when performing a systematic and well-designed aerobic training program.

The Effects of Marathon Swimming on Serum Leptin and Plasma Neuropeptide Y Levels

Abstract It seems likely that the neuropeptide Y (NPY)-leptin axis is involved in the regulation of energy expenditure in man. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of a model of intense prolonged exercise-mediated energy expenditure (25 km swim race in 6.9–10.5 hours) on leptin and NPY concentrations in male longdistance swimmers. Sixteen long-distance swimmers (mean age 25, range 18–45 years) who took part in a 25 km sea swimming competition (Toroneos golf, Chalkidiki, Greece) participated in the study. Mean competition time was 8.5 hours (range 6.5–10.5). The participants were allowed food and beverage intake ad libitum before and throughout the 25 km race. Venous blood samples were taken prior and immediately after the race for the measurement of serum leptin and plasma NPY. Non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFFA) and glycerol levels were determined as indicators of adipose tissue lipids mobilization. Results showed that leptin levels after marathon swimming were significantly reduced (p<0.001) in all athletes. There was a statistically significant negative correlation (r=−0.812, p<0.01) between the values of leptin and glycerol just after the termination of swimming. Blood serum glycerol and free fatty acid levels were significantly increased (p<0.001) in all swimmers. Plasma NPY levels were also increased (p<0.01) in 81.2% of the swimmers. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the values of leptin and NPY (r=−0.789, p<0.01). In conclusion, these data support our initial hypothesis that appropriate changes in leptin and NPY take place during marathon swimming to compensate for the negative energy balance produced due to this prolonged effort. This indicates the NPY-leptin axis involvement in the regulation of energy expenditure in man.

ISOKINETIC KNEE MUSCLE STRENGTH OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION, A COMPARATIVE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in isokinetic muscle torque in the knee among mentally retarded individuals with Down syndrome, mentally retarded individuals without Down syndrome, and sedentary subjects without mental retardation (ns of 7, 8, and 12, respectively). Subjects performed strength tests to knee extension and flexion on a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer. The measure was peak torque at angular velocities of 60, 120, and 300 degrees/sec. For the Mentally Retarded subjects with and without Down syndrome, the test was performed on two separate days 24 hr. apart. For Sedentary subjects, testing was performed on one day. Their scores indicated significantly higher values of torque than the two other groups. Also, subjects with Down syndrome had inferior muscle torque of lower extremities than peers in the Mentally Retarded Group.

Atrial natriuretic factor responses to submaximal and maximal exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), K+, Na+, blood lactate, heart rate, and blood pressure in moderately trained women. Ten healthy women were studied on a cycle ergometer during 20 min of constant submaximal and maximal exercise, as well as during recovery. The ANF concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. The results show that, except for Na+, all the other variables increased significantly with an increase in the duration and intensity of the exercise (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). In recovery, the values fell (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). Submaximal and maximal exercise both cause increases in ANF and this increase is due to the duration and intensity of exercise. However, maximal exercise, rather than submaximal exercise, is the major stimulus for the concentration of plasma ANF. ANF concentration may be a useful test for evaluating the releasing function of ANF in the heart.

Effects of Different Exercise Modes on the Urinary Metabolic Fingerprint of Men with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Exercise is important in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of risk factors that raises morbidity. Metabolomics can facilitate the optimization of exercise prescription. This study aimed to investigate whether the response of the human urinary metabolic fingerprint to exercise depends on the presence of MetS or exercise mode. Twenty-three sedentary men (MetS, n = 9, and Healthy, n = 14) completed four trials: resting, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME), and resistance exercise (RE). Urine samples were collected pre-exercise and at 2, 4, and 24 h for targeted analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Time exerted the strongest differentiating effect, followed by exercise mode and health status. The greatest changes were observed in the first post-exercise samples, with a gradual return to baseline at 24 h. RE caused the greatest responses overall, followed by HIIE, while CME had minimal effect. The metabolic fingerprints of the two groups were separated at 2 h, after HIIE and RE; and at 4 h, after HIIE, with evidence of blunted response to exercise in MetS. Our findings show diverse responses of the urinary metabolic fingerprint to different exercise modes in men with and without metabolic syndrome.

The effect of a traditional dance training program on the physical fitness of adults with hearing loss.

Tsimaras, VK, Kyriazis, DA, Christoulas, KI, Fotiadou, EG, Kokaridas, DG, and Angelopoulou, NA. The effect of a traditional dance training program on the physical fitness of adults with hearing loss. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 1052-1058, 2010-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a traditional dance training program on aerobic capacity and muscle strength of adults with hearing loss. Twenty-three adults with hearing loss were separated into 2 groups. Thirteen subjects (6 men, 7 women, mean age, 25.7 ± 3.9 years) constituted the intervention group, whereas 10 subjects (5 men, 5 women, mean age, 26.4 ± 5.9 years) formed the control group. Pretraining and posttraining treadmill tests were performed to determine heart rate (HR peak), peak minute ventilation (&OV0312;E peak), peak oxygen consumption (&OV0312;O2 peak, absolute and relative), and time to exhaustion (min). Peak torque of hamstring and quadriceps muscles at angular velocities of 60°/s−1, 180°/s−1, and 300°/s−1 was also measured. The intervention group followed a 12-week traditional dance training program, whereas the control group received no training during this period. Repeated measures of multiple analyses of variance were used to test mean differences between the values of both groups. A paired t-test was used to compare the values within each group prior and after program participation. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Following the 12-week training program, significant improvements in peak physiological parameters were seen for the intervention group for peak minute ventilation, peak oxygen consumption (both absolute and relative), time to exhaustion, and peak torque values between the 2 measurements (initial and final). No significant improvements in peak physiological parameters and peak torque were noticed in the control group. In conclusion, adults with hearing loss can improve their physical fitness levels with the application of a systematic and well-designed traditional dance training program.

The effect of different exercise-testing protocols on atrial natriuretic peptide.

The aim of this study was to examine and to compare alterations in the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) during different exercise‐testing protocols in moderately trained men. Fifteen healthy male physical education students were studied (mean age 22·3 ± 2·5 years, training experience 12·3 ± 2·5 years, height 1·80 ± 0·06 m, weight 77·4 ± 8·2 kg). Participants performed an initial graded maximal exercise testing on a treadmill for the determination of VO2max (duration 7·45–9·3 min and VO2max 55·05 ± 3·13 ml kg−1 min−1) and were examined with active recovery (AR), passive recovery (PR) and continuous running (CR) in random order. Blood samples for plasma ANP concentration were taken at rest (baseline measurement), immediately after the end of exercise as well as after 30 min in passive recovery time (PRT). The plasma ANP concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results showed that ANP plasma values increased significantly from the rest period to maximal values. In the short‐term graded maximal exercise testing the ANP plasma values increased by 56·2% (44·8 ± 10·4 pg ml−1 versus 102·3 ± 31·3 pg ml−1, P<0.001) and in the CR testing the ANP levels increased by 29·2% (44·8 ± 10·4 pg ml−1 versus 63·3 ± 19·8 pg ml−1, P<0.001) compared to the baseline measurement. Moreover, the values of ANP decreased significantly (range 46·4–51·2%, P<0.001) in PRT after the end of the four different exercise modes. However, no significant difference was evident when ANP values at rest and after AR and PR were compared. It is concluded that the exercise testing protocol may affect the plasma ANP concentrations. Particularly, short‐term maximal exercise significantly increases ANP values, while the intermittent exercise form of active and passive recovery decreases ANP concentrations.

Morphology of the deltoid muscles in elite tennis players

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the deltoid muscle properties of the dominant and non-dominant arm of Greek professional male tennis players. Eight male tennis players (mean age 22.0 years, s = 3.2) were subjected to biopsy of the deltoid muscle of both arms. Adenosine triphosphate (ATPase) histochemistry and myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition were performed on the samples with homogenate electrophoresis. No significant differences were observed in the percentage of types I, IIa, IIab, and IIb muscle fibres between the deltoid muscles of the two arms. Types I, IIa, and IIx muscle fibres of the dominant and non-dominant deltoid muscles did not differ significantly for MHC isoform composition. Type IIab muscle fibres showed a similar cross-sectional area (CSA) percentage distribution between the two arms. The CSA percentage for types I, IIa, and IIb muscle fibers did not differ significantly between the dominant and the non-dominant arm. We conclude therefore that regular tennis training probably does not lead to any significant changes in the muscle fibre types of the dominant and non-dominant arms of elite tennis players.

Cardiorespiratory and metabolic alterations during exercise and passive recovery after three modes of exercise.

Mandroukas, A, Heller, J, Metaxas, TI, Sendelides, T, Riganas, C, Vamvakoudis, E, Christoulas, K, Stefanidis, P, Karagiannis, V, Kyparos, A, and Mandroukas, K. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic alterations during exercise and passive recovery after three modes of exercise. J Strength Cond Res 25(6): 1664-1672, 2011—The objective of this study was to investigate the potential variations in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and running performance among 3 modes of exercise of the same duration, namely, intermittent running with active recovery (AR) or passive recovery (PR) and continuous running (CR) and whether these variations could affect passive recovery time (PRT). Fifteen male physical education students with a subspecialty in soccer were studied (mean age 22.3 ± 2.5 years, training experience 12.3 ± 2.5 years) in the middle of the playing season. The results showed that during exercise, the highest heart rate (HR) and &OV0312;O2 values were observed in CR, whereas the lowest values in PR followed by AR. Blood lactate (BLa) concentration was higher in PR by 38% compared to that in AR (p < 0.05). The exercise duration was similar between PR and AR tests and longer than in CR. With regard to PRT, the highest HR (186 ± 9 b·min−1), &OV0312;O2 (55.5 ± 5.2 ml·kg−1·min−1), and BLa (5.1 ± 1.7 mmol·L−1) values were found in CR. No differences in HR and &OV0312;O2 between PR and AR were detected. However, despite the differences in BLa concentration between AR and PR during exercise, the PRT BLa values between these 2 exercise modes were not different. Among the 3 running protocols, only CR appeared to have fully challenged the cardiorespiratory system inducing maximal HR and &OV0312;O2 responses during exercise and high BLa values in PRT, yet these responses were not associated with better exercise performance compared to intermittent running. Therefore, intermittent exercise, regardless of implementing passive or active interval, might be the preferable exercise mode particularly in activities extended over 30 minutes.

Deltoid muscle characteristics in wrestlers.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the deltoid muscle characteristics of wrestlers. Nine Greco-Roman competitive male wrestlers (mean age 20.1+/-2.7 yrs, height 175+/-0.6 cm, weight 83.2+/-12.5 kg, years of training 7.6+/-2.7 yrs) participated in this study. Six male healthy sedentary students (mean age 21.2+/-0.9 yrs, height 180+/-0.3 cm, weight 80.1+/-9.4 kg) served as controls. Muscle fibre distribution, cross-sectional area (CSA), as well as satellite cells, myonuclei and capillary density per muscle fibre area were determined by immunohistochemistry. Myosin heavy chain MHC isoform composition of single fibres was determined with protein electrophoresis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that muscle fibre distribution of the MHC I and IIA were significantly higher in wrestlers than in controls (p<0.05). Electrophoretic analysis of single fibres revealed a significantly higher proportion of fibres containing MHC I and IIC in wrestlers (p<0.05). The mean CSA of type IIA fibres and the number of myonuclei per type II was significantly higher in wrestlers (p<0.05). We also found that the number of satellite cells was 2.5 fold higher in wrestlers than in the control group. This study suggests that the observed muscle fibre profile in the deltoid of wrestlers may represent an adaptation based on the specific mechanical and biochemical demands of the long-term training in Greco-Roman wrestling.