Zondi Pc

Cardiovascular and autonomic response induced by a 20-week military training programme in young healthy South African males

Background. Studies investigating the relationship between exercise and haemodynamic regulation conducted in older caucasian and black African populations suggest that lifestyle modification is effective in the management of numerous disease processes. There are few longterm studies in young healthy populations and even less is known about the influence of habitual exercise on autonomic and haemodynamic variables in young black African subjects. Objective. To investigate the benefit of prolonged exercise on cardiovascular and haemodynamic variables in young healthy black African males. Methods. Fifty-five healthy male volunteers between 18 and 22 years of age participated in this prospective 20-week medium- to highintensity exercise intervention study with a self-control design. The Finometer Pro (Finapres Medical Systems, the Netherlands) was used for non-invasive data sampling of a number of cardiovascular and autonomic variables. Results were generated by computer algorithm and were analysed using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results. Significant (p 0.05). Conclusion. The measured changes suggest a favourable response to exercise and imply that habitual exercise may be an important lifestyle modification for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in young black African males.

The Amateur Cyclist Gearing Up Nutrition for a 94.7km Challenge: 1309 June 2, 8: 45 AM - 9: 00 AM.

South Africa hosts two of the world’s largest individually timed one day cycle races with approximately 35 000 cyclists per race. Despite the fact that these events are major international drawcards and that cycling is a popular recreational activity globally, there is limited research on the use of nutrition and supplements in amateur cyclists. Most research has been done in Europe and America. Much of the current body of knowledge has been gleaned from cyclists involved in cycle tours typically 5 days or longer or from professional cyclists attending training camps. PURPOSE: To analyse the nutrition and supplement practices of amateur cyclists involved in endurance cycling. METHODS: A retrospective questionnaire was sent to all registered entrants participating in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge 10 days before the event. Details of the study were provided and cyclists 18 years or older were directed to a web-link in order to complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire was voluntary and anonymous and participants could abandon at any time. Questions interrogated dietary practices and supplement use leading up to the race, and planned nutrition strategy during the race. RESULTS: The response rate was 8.35%, and represented the overall race demographics with 75% Male and 25% Female respondents. Most respondents fell in the 30-50 year age group. 61% of respondents used supplements with the most common reason cited being a need to boost energy. Only 56% knew the ingredients contained in supplements used, and 77% adhered to the prescribed dosage. Of the 51% that used carbo-loading, 82% guessed how much should be used rather than following specific guidelines. A sports drink was the most common way to consume carbohydrates during and after the race. CONCLUSION: In this study most cyclists use supplements and adhere to the prescribed dosage. It is concerning that a significant percentage of cyclists do not know the ingredients in the supplements they use and are therefore at risk for inadvertent doping. Only half of the respondents use carbo-loading with an alarming number guessing how much they need.There is a huge market for supplementation and cyclists are at risk of being exploited. Amateur cyclists need more education on supplement use and carbo-loading.

Revisiting the importance of childhood activity

Abstract Formalised exercise programmes for children and adolescents are becoming increasingly important. There has been a drastic increase in documented childhood morbidity and mortality relating to poor nutrition and low activity levels in recent years. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic disease and is also a fundamental component in the management of illnesses. Recommendations for the paediatric population remain insufficient and ill-defined. This article revisits the risks of physical inactivity in childhood and provides the latest recommendations for exercise prescription in the paediatric population. Inactive children have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol and hypertension. Other undesirable consequences include orthopaedic problems, cardiovascular disease and various psychological complications. Both aerobic and resistance training should be incorporated into paediatric exercise programmes. The recommended guidelines for childhood activity are 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day of the week. This article highlights the importance of formalised paediatric exercise programmes in disease prevention and health promotion. A healthy and happy adolescent population ultimately contributes to an adult population with a low risk of ill health.