Michael I. Kalinski

A 7-d exercise program increases high-molecular weight adiponectin in obese adults

PURPOSE High-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is the biologically active form of adiponectin and is related to enhanced insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. Previously, we found that 7 d of exercise improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects; however, whether short-term exercise training affects HMW adiponectin in obese persons is unknown. METHODS We examined the effect of seven consecutive days of supervised vigorous exercise (60 min · d(-1), 85% HRmax) on HMW adiponectin and leptin secretion in 17 obese individuals (age = 55 ± 3 yr; body mass index = 33.7 ± 0.9 kg · m(-2)). Insulin sensitivity was calculated from an oral glucose tolerance test (ISIOGTT) using the Matsuda Index. Fasting plasma HMW adiponectin and leptin were quantified from blood samples obtained before the ISIOGTT. Glucose and insulin measures were obtained before and every 30 min during the test. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition, and indirect calorimetry was used to assess fat oxidation. RESULTS After the intervention, there was a significant increase in HMW adiponectin (3202 ± 543 vs 3878 ± 682 ng · mL(-1), P = 0.02) and a decrease in leptin (36.8 ± 5.1 vs 31.1 ± 4.2 μg · mL(-1), P = 0.03). Further, we observed an increase in ISIOGTT (1.7 ± 0.3 vs 2.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.04) and a decrease in glucose area under the curve (30,871 ± 2105 vs 28,469 ± 1657 mg · dL(-1) for 3 h, P = 0.01). The increase in HMW adiponectin was positively associated with the increase in basal fat oxidation (r = 0.57, P = 0.03), consistent with an improvement in adipose tissue metabolic function. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that 7 d of exercise is sufficient not only to improve insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation but also to favorably alter adipokine secretion, independent of changes in body weight or composition.

Using RPE to regulate exercise intensity during a 20-week training program for postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

Feelings of effort sense quantified via the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale have been validated for regulating exercise intensity. Most studies validating RPE for exercise prescription have used young, male subjects and only a few exercise sessions. As part of a larger study we examined the accuracy of RPE for regulating exercise intensity in a group of postmenopausal women. Six women (70.0 ± 7.1 yr.) were given a maximal graded exercise test. Target RPEs equivalent to 40%, 50% and 60% VO2 max were developed from this test using standard techniques. These RPEs were used to regulate intensity during a 20-wk. training program. During the initial 5 wk. of training target intensity was increased from 40% to 60% VO2 max and exercise duration from 15 to 30 min. Accuracy of exercise intensity regulation was determined by comparing the heart rate during exercise to a target heart rate equivalent to the desired %VO2 max. At Week 2 of training (target 40% VO2 max) the mean intensity produced did not differ from target. During Weeks 4 (target 50% VO2 max), 6 and 10 of training (target 60% VO2 max) the mean exercise intensity was below target. At Week 20 the mean intensity produced was not different from target. This suggests that elderly women can accurately use RPE to regulate exercise intensity, but at intensities above 40% VO2 max an acclimation period is needed.

Anaerobic power characteristics of elite athletes in national level team-sport games

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to acquire current anthropometric and physiological profiling of elite athletes and to examine differences in the characteristics. Methods: Three hundred and sixteen male, team-sport athletes were evaluated for anaerobic performance using the Wingate anaerobic test. Results: MANOVA procedures indicated significant differences in height among players of the sports. Pearson correlations indicated strong correlations for body mass with absolute peak power (Pp) and mean power (Pm), and relative Pm. Height correlated strongly with absolute Pp and Pm, with a low correlation with relative Pp. MANOVA procedures indicated that athletes who specialized in handball, volleyball, and basketball attained the greatest relative and absolute Pp, and the greatest relative Pm. Relative and absolute Pp of the soccer athletes were lowest of all other elite athletes. Conclusion: This study introduces normative values for elite male athletes, empowering coaches in the evaluation of anaerobic abilities and in the objective selection of athletes for competition

Leisure-time physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fitness of high school girls.

Background: Childhood physical inactivity may exacerbate other behaviorally linked cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, which have been associated with subsequent morbidity and mortality later in life. Evidence suggests that physical activity as adults is related to their exercise patterns as children. Methods: Television watching and Internet use time were evaluated for one week, and their relationships to various physical fitness parameters among 129 high school girls were assessed. Leisure-time physical activity, quantified by a 21-day physical activity diary and a compendium of physical activities with metabolic equivalent (MET) intensities, and attitudinal belief to leisure-time physical activity were compared to all the aforementioned variables. Results: No significant correlations were found between television watching time or Internet use time with body mass index, one-mile run time, and three different operational definitions of leisure-time physical activity. One-mile run time correlated moderately with body mass index and negatively with leisure-time physical activity. Caloric expenditure during lei-sure-time physical activity was weakly related to body mass index. Attitudinal belief to leisure-time physical activity correlated significantly with leisure-time physical activity, weekly caloric expenditure, and inversely with one-mile run time. The foremost predictor of mile-run time was body mass index, followed by attitudinal belief to leisure-time physical activity and leisure-time physical activity. Conclusions: Leisure-time physical activity and attitudinal belief to leisure-time physical activity are significantly (and inversely) associated with physical fitness only when expressed by an actual performance measure, but not when represented by the sum of the skinfold measurements, body fat, or body mass index. Physical fitness is unrelated to Internet use time or television watching time. Furthermore, since these sedentary behaviors are unrelated to leisure-time physical activity, yet positively correlated with each other, it is suggested that time spent watching television or on the Internet does not occur at the expense of leisure-time physical activity.

SCALE CONSTRUCTION FOR MEASURING ADOLESCENT BOYS' AND GIRLS' ATTITUDES, BELIEFS, PERCEPTION OF CONTROL, AND INTENTION TO ENGAGE IN LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, the Attitude to Leisure-time Physical Activity, Expectations of Others, Perceived Control, and Intention to Engage in Leisure-time Physical Activity scales were developed for use among high school students. The study population included 20 boys and 68 girls 13 to 17 years of age (for boys, M=15.1 yr., SD=1.0; for girls, M= 15.0 yr., SD= 1.1). Generation of items and the establishment of content validity were performed by professionals in exercise physiology, physical education, and clinical psychology. Each scale item was phrased in a Likert type format. Both unipolar and bipolar scales with seven response choices were developed. Following the pilot testing and subsequent revisions, 32 items were retained in the Attitude to Leisure-time Physical Activity scale. 10 items were retained in the Expectations of Others scale, 3 items were retained in the Perceived Control Scale, and 24 items were retained in the Intention to Engage in Leisure-time Physical Activity scale. Coefficients indicated adequate stability and internal consistency with α ranging from .81 to .96. Studies of validities are underway, after which scales would be made available to those interested in intervention techniques for promoting positive attitudes toward physical fitness, perception of control over engaging in leisure-lime physical activities, and good intentions to engage in leisure-time physical activities. The present results arc encouraging.

A New Method for Prescribing Exercise: Three-Point Ratings of Perceived Exertion

An accurate exercise prescription for ratings of perceived exertion has previously depended on data from a maximal graded exercise test during which RPE was measured. In many clinical settings RPE is not measured; in many fitness settings maximal testing is not feasible. A new method using treadmill speed or power output of a cycle ergometer at an RPE of 13 from a submaximal test which can be used in these situations is described. We evaluated the accuracy of this method at 50%, 60%, 70%, and 85% VO2max. A total of 160 target RPEs were developed using traditional procedures and the new method. No significant differences between RPEs obtained with the two techniques were found. The mean difference was less than one unit of RPE. It appears that the new method is valid for intensities of 50% to 85% VO2max and that data from either the cycle ergometer or the treadmill can be used to prepare exercise prescriptions.

Is exercise indicated for the patient diagnosed as anorectic

1. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder characterized by voluntary decreases in food intake resulting in negative caloric balance and dramatic loss of body weight. 2. Aerobic exercise may be contraindicated in patients diagnosed with anorexia because of the high caloric cost and the possibility of overindulgence. 3. Calorically modest weight lifting exercises to increase lean body mass might be useful in increasing compliance with therapy by ensuring that the weight gained is distributed in a more aesthetically appealing manner.

Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Marker of Myocardium and Skeletal Muscle Damage

Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Marker of Myocardium and Skeletal Muscle Damage This is an overview of literature data on ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and its potential as a marker of myocardium and skeletal muscle damage. Characteristics and properties of IMA are considered. IMA can be used as a nonspecific variable of ischemic conditions but IMA fails to differentiate between ischemic tissues. As a marker of ischemic conditions IMA may be used in combinations with other markers.

The Effects of Nicotine on the Metabolic and Hormonal Responses During Acute Cold Exposure

Abstract Objective.—To examine the effects of nicotine on the metabolic and hormonal responses during acute cold exposure. Methods.—Participants in this study included 6 men and 5 women between the ages of 19 and 25 years. Each subject performed 2 cold-air trials (CATs) consisting of a 30-minute baseline (BASE) period and a 120-minute exposure to 10°C air. One CAT was performed after a nicotine (NIC) dosing using a 21-mg transdermal patch, whereas the other CAT was performed after a placebo (PL) treatment. Blood samples for metabolic and hormonal measurements were obtained at the end of BASE and immediately after the cold exposure. Results.—When examining the sexes separately, there was no difference in norepinephrine between PL and NIC (P = .066). There was also no difference in epinephrine between PL and NIC in either sex (P = .634). From BASE to 120 minutes of the CAT, there was a significant decrease in cortisol (P = .036), but this response was similar between the 2 treatments (P = .077). Glucose and glycerol concentrations were not different between the PL and NIC treatments. At BASE, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was lower during PL compared with NIC (P = .021); however, at 120 minutes of the CAT, NEFA was greater during PL compared with NIC (P = .035). Conclusions.—During 120 minutes of cold exposure, NIC resulted in alterations in the responses in NEFA, whereas the other blood measurements were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

ANAEROBIC POWER CHARACTERISTICS OF ELITE ATHLETES IN NATIONAL LEVEL TEAM-SPORT GAMES

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to acquire current anthropometric and physiological profiling of elite athletes and to examine differences in the characteristics. Methods: Three hundred and sixteen male, team-sport athletes were evaluated for anaerobic performance using the Wingate anaerobic test. Results: MANOVA procedures indicated significant differences in height among players of the sports. Pearson correlations indicated strong correlations for body mass with absolute peak power (Pp) and mean power (Pm), and relative Pm. Height correlated strongly with absolute Pp and Pm, with a low correlation with relative Pp. MANOVA procedures indicated that athletes who specialized in handball, volleyball, and basketball attained the greatest relative and absolute Pp, and the greatest relative Pm. Relative and absolute Pp of the soccer athletes were lowest of all other elite athletes. Conclusion: This study introduces normative values for elite male athletes, empowering coaches in the evaluation of anaerobic abilities and in the objective selection of athletes for competition.