scholarly journals The Role of Raw Beetroot in Enhancing Amateur Exercise Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1117-1117
Author(s):  
Daniela Assimiti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Exercise Performance ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Important Health ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Abstract Objectives In a time when prolonged sitting is an important part of people's daily busy lives, any easy solution contributing to enhancing general stamina and amateur fitness physical performance in a safe and inexpensive way can be always attractive. Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) and its constituents known as having important health benefits in many various areas, has become increasingly popular in the arena of exercise performance, mainly due to high concentrations of nitrate. Previous studies done in different types of professional athletes - most of them using beetroot either as juice or powder - proved its clear efficiency in increasing the physical performance both in terms of speed and endurance. Could beetroot help as well other kind of individuals who due to their busy professions, though willing to stay fit, have less access to higher degree of physical activity? The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate in which measure beetroot can be used by amateurs willing to improve their general stamina and stay physically fit. Methods The benefits of plant compounds contained in beetroot - such as betanin, vulgaxanthin and inorganic nitrates - known to help increase the blood oxygenation, muscle strength, and mental acuity - were evaluated among healthy adults (age 25–60) during a short sessions of simple physical activity, repeated for 7–10 days. To compare, a single serving of 100 g raw beetroot was taken 1–2 hours prior the activity and evaluations were made. An intelligent health bracelet was used to measure some of the common vital parameters. Results Though modest, an average increase in the daily physical performance of 6.17%, a general increase of 31% at the end of the period of evaluation, and most of all, a visible increase in general stamina, shows the great potential beetroot has as ergogenic aid in moderate exercise. Conclusions Though raw beetroot may provide modest performance enhancement, the observations show to be encouraging and more research would be definitely needed, in a larger number of individuals, on a more diverse types of physical activities, and using more professional evaluating tools, in order to clarify the mechanism of action and eventually the proper dosing patterns. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Pulmonary embolism during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
BV Silva ◽  
T Rodrigues ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
J Brito ◽  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Reference Period ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Clinical Probability

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background During the COVID-19 pandemic many countries have imposed lockdown restrictions to movement. Since the 18th of March in Portugal, thousands of people have been confined to their homes. While hospital admissions for COVID-19 patients increased exponentially, admissions for non-COVID-19 patients decreased dramatically. However, it remains unclear whether lockdown-related immobility can contribute to the increased incidence of pulmonary embolism. Purpose To compare the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) during the lockdown period (Abril 1 to May 31, 2020) compared to the reference period in 2019. Methods Retrospective study of consecutive outpatients who presented to the emergency department and underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) due to suspicion of PE. Results Compared to the same period of 2019, the lockdown period was associated with a significant increase in PE diagnosis (29 versus 18 patients). PE patients during lockdown were older (median age 71 years; interquartile range [IQR][60-85] versus 59 years [44-76]; p = 0.046) and have lower prevalence of active cancer (14% versus 33% in the reference period). Women represent 55% (n = 16) of patients in lockdown group (versus 50% in 2019 group). Clinical probability (GENEVA score) was similar in both groups (median score 2.72 in lockdown group and 2.50 in reference group, p = 0.452). None of the patients with PE was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion We have observed a marked increase (62%) in PE diagnosis during lockdown period compared to the reference period, which can be explained by the reduction in physical activity due to teleworking and closure of gyms and sports activities. These data reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity programs at home. The role of pharmacological or mechanical thromboprophylaxis in this scenario remains unclear.

The Role of the Physical Environment in Promoting Physical Activity in Children Across Different Group Compositions

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 837-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy A. Larson ◽  
Matthew P. Normand ◽  
Allison J. Morley ◽  
Kristin M. Hustyi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Group Compositions

Physical activity is an important health-related behavior, but the environmental variables that promote or abate it are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to conduct a functional analysis evaluating the effect of the physical environment on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in preschool children, and to evaluate the utility of the methodology across different group compositions. The Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children was used to define the test conditions and the measures of physical activity for eight preschool children. The functional analysis was implemented according to a multi-element experimental design. The highest levels of MVPA were observed when fixed playground equipment was available and at least one peer was present. Moreover, differential responding was observed across group compositions. The implications of this methodology and these findings on the development of interventions to increase MVPA are discussed.

scholarly journals Relationship between Physical Performance and Frailty Syndrome in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity, Sedentary Time and Body Composition

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
Irene Rodríguez-Gómez ◽  
Asier Mañas ◽  
José Losa-Reyna ◽  
Luis M. Alegre ◽  
Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index ◽  
The Relationship

The objectives were to clarify whether the relationship between physical performance and frailty was independently and jointly mediated by movement behaviors and body composition. We analyzed 871 older adults (476 women) from The Toledo Study for Healthy Aging. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat index (FI) were determined using bone densitometry. Sedentary time (ST) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were assessed using accelerometry. The Frailty Trait Scale and The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were used to evaluate frailty and physical performance, respectively. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were carried out to determine the role of movement behaviors and body composition, adjusted for potential confounders. ST and MVPA acted independently as mediators in the relationship between SPPB and frailty (0.06% for ST and 16.89% for MVPA). FI also acted as an independent mediator in the same relationship (36.47%), while the mediation role of SMI was not significant. MVPA and FI both acted jointly as mediators in this previous relationship explaining 58.15% of the model. Our data support the fact that interventions should simultaneously encourage the promotion of MVPA and strategies to decrease the FI in order to prevent or treat frailty through physical performance improvement.

scholarly journals Role of Carbohydrate and Dietary Fibery for Soccer Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Gaung Perwira Yustika
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Metabolic Substrates ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Contraction ◽  
Anaerobic Energy ◽  
Metabolic Reactions ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Glycogen Stores

Soccer is the most well known and a phenomenal sport in the world, with around 270 million players registered to this game (FIFA, 2015). Soccer has already attracted attention either sport scientist and government from many countries to promote the benefit of active physical activity and also maintained people’s health, including the minorities and poorest. (Hammami et al, 2016; Milanovic et al., 2015; Parnell et al., 2016). Furthermore, this sport can be used to support the health public program in order to prevent chronic diseases due to cause lack of physical activity (Krustrup et al., 2010).Quality food choices and adequate nutrition nutrient are important for supporting training program and enhancing the physical performance of professional athletes. Macronutrients provide the metabolic substrates necessary for producing the chemical energy required for skeletal muscle contraction and cardiovascular physiology, while the micronutrients help the metabolic reactions involved in energy production and gas transport in the circulation. Soccer is a sport requiring for both aerobic dominant and also anaerobic energy. It needs the players to exercise repetitively at high intensities using large muscle groups for periods of several seconds to several minutes for the full match (90 min) plus added time. Metabolically, athletes depend to a certain extent on their endogenous glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscles. Besides from genetic factor, talent and the effort of training, it has been acknowledged that no single factor plays a bigger role in maximaxing physical performance than dietary plan.This Review article was made to show the important role of carbohydrate and dietary fiber in the aspect of soccer game, resumed from scientific articles especially from Europe/USA where soccer was more advanced there. The writer hoped that this article written and published at Indonesia can be used to developed sport science and sport medicine for his beloved country.

scholarly journals Physical Performance During the Menopausal Transition and the Role of Physical Activity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitriy Bondarev ◽  
Taija Finni ◽  
Katja Kokko ◽  
Urho M Kujala ◽  
Pauliina Aukee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Menopausal Transition ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Vertical Jumping

Abstract Background To examine longitudinal changes in physical performance during the menopausal transition and the role of physical activity (PA) in these changes. Methods Based on follicle-stimulating hormone levels and bleeding diaries, women (47–55 years) were classified as early (n = 89) and late perimenopausal (n = 143) and followed prospectively until postmenopausal status, with mean duration of 17.5 and 13.8 months, respectively. Physical performance was measured by handgrip force, knee extension torque, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance. Physical activity was self-reported and categorized as inactive, low, medium, and high. Longitudinal associations of menopausal status, physical performance, and related changes with PA level were analyzed using generalized estimation equations adjusted for duration of hormonal therapy. Results A significant decline over the menopausal transition in handgrip force (−2.1%, 95% CI −3.8 to −0.4), knee extension torque (−2.6%, 95% CI −4.5 to −0.8), and vertical jumping height (−2.6%, 95% CI −4.2 to −1.1) and a significant increase in 6-minute walking distance (2.1%, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) were observed in the total sample. A significant interaction of PA by time was observed in handgrip force and in vertical jumping height. High PA women had greater increase in handgrip strength but greater decline in vertical jumping height than medium, low, and inactive women (all p ≤ .001). Conclusions Both early and late perimenopausal women show decline in muscle strength and power during the transition to postmenopause. Physical activity seems to influence physical performance during the menopausal transition but understanding the benefits of PA requires interventional studies.

scholarly journals Investigating the Role of Physical Activity on Pulmonary Function among Cement Factory Workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hassan Dashti khavidaki ◽  
Javad Ramezani ◽  
Amir Abbas Minaeifar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Active Group ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cement Factory ◽  
Forced Expiratory Flow ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Inactive Group

Introduction: Inhalation of suspended particulates in cement plants is one of the most important risk factors for pulmonary and respiratory problems for workers of these factories. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on pulmonary function among cement factory workers. Method: This  cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 82 cement factory workers. They were selected based on the available sampling method and volunteers were included in the study. According to Beck questionnaire, 48 people were categorized in the inactive and 34 in the active groups. Pulmonary function indices included VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1, to FVC ratio. Furthermore, the forced expiratory flow of 25-75% (FEF 25-75%) and Spirometry were used to determine the pulmonary capacity of workers. Independent T-test was applied for comparing the two groups and SPSS software ver. 23 was run for data analysis. Results: The results showed that VC, FEV1 / FVC, and FEF 25–75% indices in the active group were significantly higher than the inactive group (p /0,000) (p≥0.01) (p≥0.03). ). Moreover,  FVC and FEV1 indices in the active group were not significantly different (p≥ 0.18) (p 14 0.14) from the inactive group. Discussion: Our investigations showed the positive effect of physical activity and exercise on the pulmonary parameters and respiratory function of the cement factory workers. Therefore, these people are recommended to exercise regularly during the week to prevent respiratory and health problems caused by high concentrations of cement dust.

scholarly journals Association of Carotenoids Concentration in Blood with Physical Performance in Korean Adolescents: The 2018 National Fitness Award Project

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1821
Author(s):  
Dawn Jeong ◽  
Saejong Park ◽  
Hyesook Kim ◽  
Oran Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Total Carotenoids ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Korean Adolescents ◽  
Cardiovascular Endurance ◽  
The Relationship

Adolescent physical performance is not only dependent on exercise but also on the role of antioxidants obtained through a healthy diet. However, few studies have specifically identified the relationship between carotenoids, a common antioxidant, and physical performance. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between the level of carotenoids in the blood and physical performance among Korean adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The study sample consisted of 450 participants (190 males, 260 females) from the 2018 National Fitness Award project. In boys, multiple regression analysis after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, and physical activity revealed that the α-carotene level was positively associated with a 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) (β = 5.350, p < 0.05) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (β = 1.049, p < 0.05). In girls, after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, the levels of α-carotene were positively associated with a 20-m PACER (β = 3.290, p < 0.05), VO2max (β = 0.644, p < 0.05) and curl-up (β = 5.782, p < 0.05), and β-carotene (β = 2.983, p < 0.05) and total carotenoids (β = 4.248, p < 0.05) were positively associated with curl-up. Our results suggest that an increased level of carotenoids in the blood may be associated with better physical performance among adolescents in Korea.

scholarly journals The “Super-Fontan” Phenotype: Characterizing Factors Associated With High Physical Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek L. Tran ◽  
David S. Celermajer ◽  
Julian Ayer ◽  
Leeanne Grigg ◽  
Carley Clendenning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Exercise Performance ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Work Rate ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: People with a Fontan circulation usually have moderately impaired exercise performance, although a subset have high physical performance (“Super-Fontan”), which may represent a low-risk phenotype.Methods: People with a “Super-Fontan” phenotype were defined as achieving normal exercise performance [≥80% predicted peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and work rate] during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and were identified from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry. A Fontan control group that included people with impaired exercise performance (&lt;80% predicted VO2 or work rate) was also identified based on a 1:3 allocation ratio. A subset of participants were prospectively recruited and completed a series of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life questionnaires.Results: Sixty CPETs (“Super-Fontan”, n = 15; control, n = 45) were included. A subset (“Super-Fontan”, n = 10; control, n = 13) completed a series of questionnaires. Average age was 29 ± 8 years; 48% were males. Exercise capacity reflected by percent predicted VO2 was 67 ± 17% in the entire cohort. Compared to the “Super-Fontan” phenotype, age at Fontan completion was higher in controls (4.0 ± 2.9 vs. 7.2 ± 5.3 years, p = 0.002). Only one (7%) person in the “Super-Fontan” group had a dominant right ventricle compared to 15 (33%) controls (p = 0.043). None of those in the “Super-Fontan” group were obese, while almost a quarter (22%) of controls were obese based on body mass index (p = 0.046). Lung function abnormalities were less prevalent in the “Super-Fontan” group (20 vs. 70%, p = 0.006). Exercise self-efficacy was greater in the “Super-Fontan” group (34.2 ± 3.6 vs. 27.9 ± 7.2, p = 0.02). Self-reported sports participation and physical activity levels during childhood and early adulthood were higher in the “Super-Fontan” group (p &lt; 0.05). The total average time spent participating in structured sports and physical activity was 4.3 ± 2.6 h/wk in the “Super-Fontan” group compared to 2.0 ± 3.0 h/wk in controls, p = 0.003. There were no differences in self-reported current total physical activity score or health-related quality of life between groups (p ≥ 0.05).Conclusions: The “Super-Fontan” phenotype is associated with a healthy weight, lower age at Fontan completion, better exercise self-efficacy, and higher overall levels of sport and physical activity participation during physical development.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Oxidative Stress - A Potential Role of L- Carnitine as an Antioxidant: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (S1-Feb) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Jyothsna Karanth ◽  
Dakshayini C
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Exercise Induced

Regular physical activity, along with a balanced diet, formsan important factor for the maintenance of good health. However, strenuousexerciseincreases the production of free radicals (FR) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), leads to toxicity, resulting in chronic fatigue, injuries. The overproduction of RONS is involved in muscular fatigue, many diseases, and aging. However, FRs are essential for the functioning of the immune system and certain metabolic functions.The increase in oxidants compared to antioxidant leads to oxidative stress. Nowadays, antioxidants are supplemented to reduce muscle damage incurred during exercise, which has drawn the attention of the athletic population. L- Carnitine being ergogenic, acts as an antioxidant during recovery from exercise, thereby attenuate oxidative stress, which may then decrease exercise-induced muscle damage. Despite increasing research on antioxidant properties for carnitine in several pathologies such as diabetes, hypertension, renal, neurodegenerative conditions, and liver disease, less has been documented on it against oxidative stress induced by exercise. This review may help researchers who are interested in athletic performance enhancement and sports nutrition.

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